After an impressive start to life in Cairo with the Egyptian Cup title, the White Knight fans have somewhat turned on the former Orlando Pirates boss.
Following a defeat to ENPPI in the Egyptian Premier League on Monday, calls were made for the Serbian to be sacked on social media.
But ahead of their away tie to the five-time Champions League winners, who are unbeaten for ten years in Lubumbashi, the Serbian tactician has expressed his confidence ahead of their Group A opener.
"We will battle for a positive result. It is an important game considering it's our opener in the group stages, we know the opposition's worth well and also their coach is a friend of mine.
"I know Mazembe's players' abilities but Zamalek are the CAF Confederations Cup champions and everyone is ready for this encounter."
The Vodacom Ligue 1 giants and Zamalek are grouped alongside Angolan club Primeiro de Agosto and Zambia's Zesco United.