Coupe de la CAF Zamalek – USM Alger : Atcho, un arbitre qui réussit à…

La finale de la Coupe de la Confédération sera dirigée par l’arbitre gabonais Ghislain Pierre Atcho. La rencontre est programmée ce samedi à 18h00 GMT au Caire et opposera le Zamalek SC à l’USM Alger. L’USM Alger présente un bilan de deux victoires en deux matchs lorsque cet arbitre a officié ses rencontres. Un bilan parfait en deux matchs Ghislain Pierre Atcho a dirigé deux rencontres de l’USM Alger, toutes deux remportées par le club algérien. Sur le plan statistique, cela se traduit par un parcours sans échec sous son arbitrage. Une demi-finale marquante en 2023 Il a notamment arbitré la demi-finale retour de la Coupe de la CAF 2023 face à l’ASEC Mimosas. L’USM Alger s’était imposée lors de cette rencontre avant de poursuivre sa route jusqu’au titre continental. Le souvenir d’une Supercoupe CAF remportée face à Al Ahly L’arbitre gabonais a également été au sifflet lors de la Supercoupe remportée face à Al Ahly, un autre succès enregistré par le club algérien dans une compétition majeure. fish-roadgame.online

L’article Coupe de la CAF Zamalek – USM Alger : Atcho, un arbitre qui réussit à l’USMA est apparu en premier sur AfricaFootUnited.

AmaZulu starting line up: To be confirmed.

Substitutes:

Kaizer Chiefs starting line up: Petersen, Frosler, Msimango, McCarthy, Cross, Maboe, Ngcobo, Lilepo, Chislett, Vilakazi, Da Silva.

InfosSeydouba Cissé quitte Leganés : Bilan de carrière et cotes pour son prochain clubC’est officiel : l’aventure de Seydouba Cissé au CD Leganés est terminée. Après une saison en demi-teinte en Liga espagnole, l’international guinéen quitte la Liga en tant qu’ag...Ouvrir →

Substitutes: Bvuma, Miguel, Mako, Cele, Sirino, Morris, Ndlovu, Mmodi, Velebayi.

Kaizer Chiefs are in Durban carrying fresh confidence after finally securing CAF football qualification. Standing in their way is an AmaZulu FC side still desperate to finish the Betway Premiership campaign strongly. Kick off is at 15:00 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Amakhosi come into the game after a crucial 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United, while AmaZulu drew 0-0 with Orbit College last weekend.

Also read: Sundowns star recalls heartbreak before Sunday’s final

KAIZER CHIEFS LOOK TO COMPLETE THE DOUBLE

Amakhosi will also take confidence from the first meeting between the two sides earlier this season. The match ended 1-1 at the FNB Stadium back in October, although the game carried far more drama than the scoreline suggested.

Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya gave AmaZulu an early lead before Glody Lilepo missed a penalty after his effort was saved by Darren Johnson.

However, Kaizer Chiefs responded quickly through Mduduzi Shabalala to rescue a point in Johannesburg.

EXPECT A TIGHT BATTLE IN DURBAN

AmaZulu usually become difficult opponents at home, especially in Durban where the atmosphere can quickly shift momentum during tight matches.

But Kaizer Chiefs arrive with momentum, confidence and slightly less pressure after already achieving their major objective of securing continental qualification.

Also read: Scouting for Kaizer Chiefs: Midfielders to sign – Part 2

Veteran Welsh referee Nigel Owens believes Henry Pollock risks getting the wrong kind of reputation if he doesn’t rein in his behaviour.

Writing for WalesOnline, Owens said Pollock’s showmanship caught his eye during the Northampton Saints’ defeat to the Leicester Tigers last week.

The former Test referee stressed that rugby needs characters, but suggested Pollock’s antics were poorly timed.

“I was watching the game over the weekend and thought, ‘Oh, no. Now is not the time to be jumping up and down with the gum shield halfway out of your mouth enticing the opposition when you’re looking at a scoreboard that reflects poorly on your team.’

“If I’d been reffing that game, then there would’ve been a stern, quiet word with him, I think.”

Tensions are high in the East Midlands derby as Henry Pollock and Hanro Liebenberg get into it #GallagherPREM | #PREMRugby pic.twitter.com/067A2YsYU6

— PREM Rugby (@premrugby) May 9, 2026

“I refereed some of the toughest players there were to referee,” he added. “Players that challenged you, and you had to really keep a close control on them. But they were never disrespectful.”

Owens made it clear that he rates Pollock highly, but he cautioned against placing the 20-year-old in the same bracket as established stars too soon.

“He’s certainly a great talent with the potential to become one of the game’s finest.

“He needs to play a lot of caps for England, win things and be a regular starter in those games at international level.”

FULL COLUMN

Photo: David Rogers / Getty Images

The post Nigel: Pollock crossed the line appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo insists there will be no room for complacency when Amakhosi face AmaZulu FC this afternoon, despite having already secured a return to continental football.

The Glamour Boys travel to Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium for their penultimate Betway Premiership clash of the 2025/26 season, comfortably perched in third place on the league standings.

Chiefs breached the 50-point milestone last weekend courtesy of a dramatic, late 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United. The match was a personal milestone for the 25-year-old playmaker, affectionately known as “Mshini,” who put on a commanding performance from start to finish.

Reflecting on his return to the starting line-up and playing the full 90 minutes, Ngcobo expressed satisfaction but remained characteristically self-critical.

Match Day!

#BetwayPrem
AmaZulu FC vs. Kaizer Chiefs
First Team
Saturday 16 May 2026
Moses Mabhida Stadium
15h00
SuperSport 205
R80, Ticketpro, PnP: https://t.co/NRVgSP2Vb5#Amakhosi4Life #KCOneVoice #KCOneFamily #LoveAndPeace pic.twitter.com/ApZxbvvPfo

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 16, 2026

“It wasn’t an easy game; it was tough, but we worked really hard to get the victory,” Ngcobo told the club’s media department.

“On a personal note, I feel like I had a decent game, and it was good to complete 90 minutes for the first time in a while, but there are aspects I want to improve on. Overall, I was quite happy, and we take it and move forward.”

The Arthur Zwane Factor

While Chiefs have already locked down third place and guaranteed their spot in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, Ngcobo warned that Usuthu will pose a massive threat—especially with a very familiar face in the opposition dugout.

AmaZulu are currently led by former Kaizer Chiefs head coach and club legend Arthur Zwane, adding an intriguing tactical narrative to the coastal showdown.

“We are doing our usual build-up, preparing our game plan with the coaches. We will have to work hard because it will not be an easy game,” Ngcobo cautioned.

“We know how dangerous AmaZulu can be with Coach Arthur [Zwane], so we are expecting a tough match, and we are ready to fight for the win.”

Turning the Corner at Chiefs

After several lean seasons of transitioning and missing out on continental football, securing a CAF ticket with two games to spare represents significant progress for the Naturena-based giants. However, the youth academy graduate understands that at a club of Chiefs’ stature, third place is merely a stepping stone.

“It’s a great feeling to know that we are going to play in a CAF competition again next season. It is something we wanted to achieve as a team, and we are happy to have done it,” said Ngcobo.

“I consider this to be a good season, not great, because at Kaizer Chiefs the expectations are higher. But after the last few years, I think we turned a corner and are heading in the right direction. We will take what we have learned and try to improve for next season.”