Tunisian coach Mrad Mahjoub is set to take charge of Ismaili, only two days before the Egyptian Premier League's kickoff.

"We have no time before the league's start, so I think that Mahjoub is the man for the job as he knows well about the team," said Ismaili football director Ali Abou-Greisha.

"We looked to an Arab manager because any foreign coach will need time to adapt."

Speaking to Egyptian TV, Mahjoub confirmed that he is set to sign a contract with the Dervishes after accepting the offer.

Mahjoub has previous spells with Tunisia's top trio Esperance, Etoile Sahel and Sfaxien, whom he led to the Champions League final in 2006.

Ismaili will host Egyptian Cup finalists ENPPI in the league's opener on Saturday.