CAFCC: Chiefs coach Youssef emotional over facing Al Masry’s Kouki

Kaizer Chiefs coach Khalil Ben Youssef has shared the emotions of facing his Al Masry SC mentor Nabil Kouki in Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup Group D match in Egypt.

Not only are the two coaches both Tunisians, but there is also a strong football connection between the two men.

Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!

🏆#TotalEnergiesCAFCC
⚽️Al Masry SC vs. Kaizer Chiefs
👕First Team
📅Sunday 23 November 2025
🏟️Suez Stadium, Egypt
🕕18h00 SAST
📺SABC – S3 & SuperSport 209#Amakhosi4Life #KCOneAfrica #KCOneFamily pic.twitter.com/iRK1S778Ys

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 22, 2025

In an interview with Chiefs website, Youssef expressed his deep admiration for the veteran Al Masry coach, describing him as his idol.

“I think coach Nabil Kouki is one of the best coaches in Tunisia. We learn from him. He was playing for Club Africain, the team I supported. I was one of his supporters watching him play. As a coach he has the experience, many trophies and good results,” the coach said.

“For me, facing a coach that I looked up to makes this occasion more meaningful.”

Why friendship won’t count in 90 minutes

Despite the bond between the two countrymen, Youssef realizes that when the first whistle is blown, it will be all about winning and not friendship at Suez Stadium.

“It’s very important how we start the group stage to give us more confidence. I think we are confident and hopeful the result will go our way,” the 38-year-old Chiefs mentor added.

The Soweto giants find themselves in the same group with two Egyptians opponents, including the 2024 Confederation Cup champions Zamalek who they face in Polokwane on November 30.

ZESCO United are the group’s other members, and the Zambians face Zamalek in Cairo on Sunday.

Sunday’s game between AmaKhosi and Al Masry kicks off at 6:00pm Southern African time and it will be broadcast on channels three of SABC and SuperSport televisions.