The Orlando Pirates pair of Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and Midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng lead the votes for the Carling All-Star team that will play in the Carling Cup match against the winners of the Carling Knockout at Orlando Stadium on 21 December.
The Buccaneers suffered a surprise exit in the Carling Knockout’s last 16, losing to premiership rookies Magesi FC in their backyard in Soweto.
The Limpopo side’s 3-2 win was one of the most thrilling matches in the round of 16, which produced 27 goals in eight matches.
Those games lived up to the tournament’s slogan, Fak’ uGesi – which means bring the energy.
The teams that were knocked out in the last 16 like Pirates, still have a role to play in the competition as their players are now eligible for the Carling All-Star squad, a team whose players will be selected entirely by champion fans – including their coach.
Last season, Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro led the Carling All-Star team to a 2-1 win over Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch FC in front of a vibrant crowd at new Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Riveiro and his charges are once again in line to make the team as champion fans continue to their voices heard on who they would like to lead their Carling All-Star team.
Sipho Chaine leads the list with over 11 000 votes in the fifth week of the voting lines being open.
The Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper has been one of the country’s most outstanding players. He starred for the Buccaneers’ domestic double last season and made his senior national team debut against South Sudan away this year.
Relebohile Mofokeng, who has also not only done well for Orlando Pirates FC but has also muscled his way into the Bafana team, is also a favourite with the champion fans.
The 20-year-old has amassed more than 6 000 votes and counting.
Five players from the Diski teams and six from the premier division will make up the starting XI of the Carling All-Star team. Jabulani Mokone from Orlando Pirates leads the selection of Diski Challenge players.
To continue voting champion fans must purchase a promo 750ml or 500ml Carling Black Label, dial *120*660*UNIQUE CODE#, and follow the on-screen prompts.
Voting will close on 10 December.
But before that, the remaining eight teams will battle it out in the quarter-finals – starting on Saturday.
Last season’s semi-finalists, Richards Bay FC, will host the opening last-eight match against Cape Town City at King Zwelithini Stadium at 15:00.
At 18:00, Mamelodi Sundowns will visit Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in a much-anticipated clash between two of the competition’s top three most successful clubs.
On Sunday, defending champions Stellenbosch FC will go to Bloemfontein to take on Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. The match will kick-off at 15:00.
The last match in the quarterfinal will see TS Galaxy taking on Magesi FC at Mbombela Stadium with kick-off also at 15:00.
Tickets for all quarter-final fixtures are available at TicketPro outlets nationwide, priced at R50 each.
The semi-finals will be played on the weekend of 9 and 10 November. The final will be hosted on 23 November.
To stay up to date with any further announcements, champion fans should check the official brand website and social media pages:
Website: www.carlingblacklabelcup.co.za
USSD: *120*660# (USSD 20c/20s) Ts&Cs apply.
Twitter: @blacklabelsa
Facebook: @Carling Black Label
Instagram: @carlingblacklabel
Official Hashtag: #CarlingKnockout #CarlingCup
INFO SUPPLIED.
