When Kaizer Chiefs assistant-coach Doctor Khumalo walks around in Casablanca or visits the local market in the city centre, often shouts like “Khumalo!” can be heard.

The Amakhosi legend is still popular in Morocco. The former playmaker obviously not only made a name for himself in South Africa, but, mainly thanks to the 1996 African Cup of Nations win, also in the city where Chiefs will face Raja Casablanca tonight.

The passion of Moroccans for football runs deep. Amazingly enough, the country didn’t even qualify for the 1996 African Cup of Nations, but they clearly followed the tournament held in South Africa with eagle eyes.

“Khumalo was an excellent passer of the ball and reader of the game,” stresses Khalid Boussafa. “Upon receiving the ball he already knew to whom to play it to. Il a été magnifique (he was magnificent)!”

Amakhosi face Raja Casablanca tonight in the second leg of the Champions League’s first round. Kick-off is at 19:00 (20:00, South African time).