After defeating Olympic Safi in the semi-finals, the Algerian club now face the five-time African champions as they chase a second Confederation Cup title.
Zamalek, meanwhile, are aiming to win the competition for a third time, and a strong result in the first leg at the Olympic Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers could prove important before the return match in Cairo.
For ex-Senegal international N’Diaye, who guided TP Mazembe to the Champions League title 16 years ago, believes the occasion itself is enough to inspire his players.
According to him, opportunities to play in matches of this level are rare in football, which makes motivation easy for his team.
"You know, when you play a final, naturally, you do not even need to motivate the players. They are already motivated themselves," the 69-year-old told CAF media.
"How many footballers spend their entire careers without reaching this level? I think around 90%, I would say. It is a celebration, a final, and a unique opportunity. Some of them ask themselves the question: will they play another continental final.
"I think that makes things easier for us from that point of view as well. It makes our work with the players easier. On the contrary, we have to control the energy because the enthusiasm is very high, and they want to go into battle.
"But we have to calm minds. The match must not be played before its time."
N’Diaye went further, stating a lack of proper preparation would not be an excuse, as his men are enjoying the best possible conditions using the facilities of the Algeria national team.
He also dismissed suggestions that the result of the first leg in Algiers would decide the outcome of the final.
"Preparations are going well. In fact, I would say they are going very well, because we are benefiting from the facilities at the National Teams Preparation Centre in Algeria," he added.
"We are really in complete calm and we have everything we need to be in a clear state of mind.
"In any case, we are working calmly and peacefully, and we are in the environment we wanted. To sum it up, things are going very well.
"The idea that this final will be decided in the first leg is not correct. There are two matches, and I believe both teams will have to be at their best, and I really mean at their best, in both matches if they hope to win."
On the other side, Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal believes his team’s experience in major African matches could give them an advantage, but he is not underestimating the quality of USM Alger.
"Of course, Zamalek have players with experience and international players. There is also a group of players in the team who previously played in the CAF Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane (in 2024) and won the title at that time, " he said.
"The new elements in the team also have experience and motivation to win their first continental title with Zamalek.
"USM Alger are strong opponents and the match will be difficult. We respect the opposing team and we are following them closely.
"Zamalek’s preparations have been short because of the team’s involvement in the league competition. USM Alger are a respectable team and they have respectable supporters.
"It will be a meeting between two brotherly teams, and I hope sportsmanship will prevail in the match, as was the case in Zamalek’s two matches against CR Belouizdad in the semi-finals.
"I hope the match is played in an honourable manner that reflects well on Arab football."
