ISMAILIA: 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 the team well, said Ismaili football director Ali Abou-Greisha.

We looked for 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.