NBC Premier League: CAF qualification race, relegation battle heats u…

The race for continental qualification and the battle to avoid relegation in the 2025/2026 NBC Premier League season continues to intensify after the completion of Round 22, with several clubs facing defining fixtures as the campaign heads into a crucial stage.

NBC Premier League table after Round 22

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At the summit of the standings, Young Africans SC remain firmly in control of the title race and the automatic CAF Champions League qualification spot. Yanga sit top with 54 points from 22 matches after registering 16 wins and six draws, while maintaining an unbeaten record so far this season.

The defending champions have also shown dominance at both ends of the pitch, scoring 50 goals and conceding only five, giving them the best defensive record in the league. Their next challenge will come against Dodoma Jiji as they aim to edge closer to another league crown and continental appearance.

Close behind are Simba SC, who occupy second place with 49 points after 22 matches. Simba have won 14 games, drawn seven and lost only once, keeping pressure on their fierce rivals Yanga in the title race.

With the league entering a decisive phase, Simba know every remaining match will be crucial in their quest for the championship and CAF Champions League football next season. Their next assignment will be an away fixture against Mashujaa FC.

Meanwhile, Azam FC continue to strengthen their hopes of securing CAF Confederation Cup football after maintaining third position with 43 points. Azam have remained one of the most consistent sides this season, suffering only one defeat in 22 matches. They will now turn their attention to a home clash against Pamba Jiji.

The battle for the remaining continental slot is also heating up, with JKT Tanzania and Singida Black Stars both level on 35 points in fourth and fifth place respectively. JKT hold the advantage on goal difference, but Singida remain within touching distance as the two sides prepare for important Round 23 fixtures.

Round 23 action resumes tomorrow, May 12, with Singida Black Stars taking on Namungo FC in the early kick-off before TRA United host JKT Tanzania in another crucial encounter.

At the opposite end of the table, the relegation battle remains equally tense. Mbeya City currently sit in the relegation play off position with 21 points, while Tanzania Prisons and KMC FC occupy the automatic relegation spots with 14 and nine points respectively.

With only a few rounds remaining, both the fight for CAF competition places and the struggle for survival promise dramatic twists in the weeks ahead.

L’histoire bégaie de temps en temps et rappelle quelques coups fumants que l’on peut retrouver dans les livres et notamment celui des « 250 grandes et petites histoires du football algérien » de l’Oranais A.B. Lahouari. Chaque fin de saison apporte son lot d’histoires parfois très fantaisistes, extravagantes, bizarres, souvent avec une touche d’imagination ou d’humour de manière plutôt amusée ou légère, et parfois d’absurde, d’incongru, qui paraît illogique ou déplacé.

Ainsi, les anciens se souviennent de ce club dont les dirigeants ne manquaient pas d’imagination et qui ont tout simplement « séquestré » un trio arbitral en dressant un « faux barrage ». Ils l’ont remplacé, comme le prévoit le règlement, par un autre qui se trouvait, comme par « hasard », dans les tribunes. Et ça a bien marché parce qu’il ne faut pas aller trop loin pour chercher le résultat. Le club visiteur n’a vu que du feu, tout comme le public. Après avoir passé quelques moments de frayeur, les arbitres « séquestrés » ont été libérés.

Cette fois-ci encore, par exemple lors de la dernière journée de la L2 et des autres catégories, les dirigeants dont les équipes jouent la relégation et d’autres l’accession ont fait travailler leur imagination pour monter des manœuvres concertées. Avec la complicité d’un trio arbitral et l’accord des deux clubs, ils ont décidé d’un résultat de parité pour ne pas être relégués. On vit alors les deux juges de touche bloquer
toutes les actions avant que les joueurs, guère informés, n’atteignent la zone de vérité. L’arbitre veillait au milieu du terrain pour donner le tempo.

Un tel scénario s’est répété à plusieurs reprises sur les stades dans toutes les catégories, jusqu’au district où, pourtant, au bas du classement, il n’y a pas d’enjeu puisqu’il n’y a pas de relégation. Mais les dirigeants, sous la pression des supporters, ont refusé la dernière place et, pour sauver l’honneur du club et du village, ont usé
de la « combinazione ». Bien sûr, au café du commerce, le sujet est d’actualité et les passionnés savourent l’ironie des situations. Ainsi va le football, et à la saison prochaine.
YANIS B.

LE + D’INFOS
Les grands perdants de la dernière journée de la L2 restent le MO Béjaïa, qui a été victime de ses joueurs. Ces derniers ont fait grève, comme par hasard, durant toute la semaine. Il n’évoluera pas en L1. Accrochée à domicile par le NRB Beni Ouelbane (0-0), la formation du Mouloudia voit ses espoirs d’accession s’envoler. Tout comme la JS Bordj Ménaïel des frères Tonkin, qui rétrograde en Régionale avec l’espoir de jouer sur son propre stade et d’arrêter d’être une SDF depuis quatre ans environ.
-RS

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The cricketing fraternity is mourning the passing of former Transvaal batsman and father of Proteas international Neil McKenzie, who has died at the age of 77.

A cornerstone of the legendary “Mean Machine” era for Transvaal, McKenzie was widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen never to play Test cricket, due to South Africa’s sporting isolation during his peak

McKenzie passed away suddenly on Saturday, 9 May 2026.

Tributes

Tributes have poured in from the Lions Cricket Union, King Edward VII School (his alma mater), and former teammates, who describe him as a “soft-spoken gentleman” and a “pillar” of the cricketing community.

McKenzie was remembered not only as a “helluva cricketer” but as a soft-spoken gentleman who carried himself with humility.

“So sorry to hear about Kevin McKenzie. Marvellous cricketer with the Mean Machine who hooked quicks brilliantly & never wore a helmet! Wonderful person, said former radio personality John Robbie.

“I wrote to him congratulating him on his SA selection and he reminded me of that 30 years later. Deepest sympathy to his family.”

The superb South African batsman Kevin McKenzie died suddenly yesterday. RIP. He was part of one of the finest international teams in history (the unofficial SA team of 1983.) How many can you name?! (Mckenzie is back row 2nd from right.) pic.twitter.com/mJ46vc4AKP

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Lions Cricket

The Lions Cricket Union was also saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin McKenzie.

“Our thoughts are with Neil McKenzie, his family, and loved ones during this tough time. May his soul rest in peace.”

“We are very sorry to let you all know of the sudden passing of Kevin McKenzie, Class of 1966, this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McKenzie family during this incredibly difficult time. A legend whose impact and presence will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace,” said King Edward Educational Trust.

So sorry to hear about Kevin McKenzie. Marvellous cricketer with the Mean Machine who hooked quicks brilliantly & never wore a helmet! Wonderful person.
I wrote to him congratulating him on his SA selection & he reminded me of that 30 years later. Deepest sympathy to his family.

— John Robbie (@John_C_Robbie) May 10, 2026

‘Mean machine’

Kevin McKenzie was a cornerstone of the legendary Transvaal “Mean Machine” era, a dominant side that won seven Currie Cup titles between the late 1970s and 1980s.

The Transvaal “Mean Machine” is widely considered one of the greatest domestic teams in cricket history.

Batsman

A stylish right-handed batsman, he scored 6 756 first-class runs at an average of 36.51 across a 20-year career that spanned from 1966 to 1987.

He was famously fearless at the crease, known for refusing to wear a helmet even against the era’s most aggressive fast bowlers, whom he frequently countered with his signature hook and pull shots.

Despite his immense domestic success and being regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation, McKenzie was denied the opportunity to play official Test cricket due to South Africa’s sporting isolation.

RIP #KevinMcKenzie – legendary member of the @DPWorldLions ‘Mean Machine’ team and middle order batsmen… Also father to Test Cricketer #NeilMcKenzie

Kevin was most legendary for mostly never batting with a helmet and the same time probably being one of the worlds best… pic.twitter.com/2aa3bBgIj7

— Dave Nosworthy (@DONCRICKET) May 9, 2026

‘Rebel tests

However, he showcased his quality on the international stage by representing South Africa in seven unofficial “rebel” Test matches during the 1980s.

Kevin is survived by his family, including his son Neil McKenzie, who later followed in his footsteps as a standout batsman for the Proteas.

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