Ismaili stand-in president Ibrahim Ashour unpredictably sacked Hefni and appointed Emad Soliman as his successor.

"I'm very surprised to be honest. We were doing well in the league and Ismaili were in good position to compete for second spot," Hefni told FilGoal.com.

"Ismaili officials should have given us a chance until the season's end before making their judgment."

The Dervishes lie fourth in the league table with 35 points and one game in hand, just one behind second-placed Petrojet.

Hefni was not entirely expelled, though, as Ashour assigned him to manage Ismaili's youth team.

However, Hefni is still undecided whether to accept the new post.

"I haven't taken a final decision yet. I won't give my word until I finish my vacation," he concluded.