Kenyan football officiating continues to rise on the continental stage with the appointment of top referees Gilbert Cheruiyot and Stephen Yiembe to the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final. The highly anticipated clash is set for Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, and will feature Egypt’s Pyramids FC and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
Gilbert Cheruiyot will take up the role of First Assistant Referee, while Stephen Yiembe will serve as the Second Assistant Referee. Their inclusion in the officiating team for Africa’s premier club competition final highlights not only their individual excellence but also Kenya’s growing reputation in football officiating circles.
Both referees bring with them a wealth of international experience. Cheruiyot, Kenya’s longest-serving FIFA assistant referee, has been active on the global stage since 2013. His resume includes officiating at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, numerous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, and World Cup qualifiers. His consistency and dedication have made him a respected figure in both CAF and FIFA assignments.
Stephen Yiembe has also built a solid reputation through his performances in high-stakes matches. He was recently selected for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Notably, Yiembe is the only referee from the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region chosen for the global event. His recent assignments include the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2023 AFCON U-23 final, further underscoring his credibility and expertise at the highest level.
The decision to appoint both officials to such a prestigious match is a significant milestone for Kenyan football. It reflects the confidence CAF and FIFA have in their ability to handle matches of immense pressure and importance. Their appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Kenya’s football community, as it showcases the country’s development in sports officiating.
The CAF Champions League final is expected to draw millions of viewers across the continent and beyond. Scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. East Africa Time, the match is poised to be a thrilling contest between two of Africa’s football heavyweights. Mamelodi Sundowns, known for their tactical discipline and experience in the competition, will face a formidable challenge from Pyramids FC, who have rapidly emerged as one of the top clubs in North African football.
With such a high-stakes encounter on the cards, the role of the match officials will be critical. Cheruiyot and Yiembe will be expected to demonstrate composure, decisiveness, and fairness qualities they have consistently shown throughout their careers. Their presence will help ensure the match is conducted smoothly and according to the highest standards of the game.
This development marks another step forward for Kenyan officials in international football. As more referees from the country continue to make strides in global tournaments, it paves the way for future generations to aspire to similar heights. The spotlight will be firmly on Cairo come June 1, and Kenya will proudly watch two of its finest play a central role in one of the biggest nights in African club football.
