The Confederation of African Football has appointed Zimbabwean football administrator Desmond Maringwa as match commissioner for the first leg of the 2026 CAF...
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Zimbabwean football administrator Desmond Maringwa as match commissioner for the first leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League final.
Maringwa will oversee organisational and regulatory aspects of the high-profile match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR, scheduled for 17 May at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
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The match commissioner plays a key role in ensuring that all match-day operations follow CAF regulations, including coordination between teams, officials and security structures.
CAF confirmed Maringwa’s appointment alongside a full list of match officials for the final. Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo has been selected to officiate the game, supported by assistant referees and a video assistant referee team.
The final will be played over two legs, with the second leg set for 24 May in Rabat, Morocco. The two matches will determine the winner of Africa’s top club competition.
Maringwa’s appointment places Zimbabwean football representation at the centre of one of the continent’s biggest sporting events. The CAF Champions League is the premier club tournament in African football, featuring top teams from across the continent.
The first leg in Pretoria is expected to be closely contested, with Mamelodi Sundowns aiming to use home advantage, while AS FAR will look to secure a strong result ahead of the return leg.
Both teams reached the final after strong performances in the knockout stages, setting up a high-stakes clash for the continental title.
Maringwa, a former footballer and administrator, has previously been involved in football development and administration roles in Zimbabwe. His selection reflects CAF’s continued inclusion of officials from across member associations in major competitions.
The appointment comes as CAF finalises preparations for the tournament finale, which remains one of the most watched club competitions in Africa.
Officials say the match will require strict coordination due to its scale, with thousands of fans expected and significant continental attention.
The outcome of the two-legged final will determine the champion of the 2025–26 CAF Champions League season and secure qualification for global club competitions.
