Johannesburg: Champion fans cast more than four million votes to select a strong squad for the Carling All-Star team, which will look to defend the Carling Black Label Cup when they take on Carling Knockout champions Magesi FC on Saturday, 21st December at Orlando Stadium.
Orlando Pirates FC’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was the most popular player among champion fans, receiving more than 63 000 votes.
Chaine leads a starting XI that consists only of players from Orlando Pirates FC, Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC.
These three giants have been shocked by the electric Magesi FC, which should make the Carling Black Label Cup an explosive affair against two sets of players with a point to prove.
Chaine will be part of a starting XI whose back four consists of the Pirates’ pair of Jabulani Mokone and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Chiefs’ Aiden McCarthy will partner Mbokazi in central defence, with Sundowns’ left-back Asekho Tiwani completing the defence.
The Sundowns’ pair of Gomolemo Kekana and Bathusi Aubaas will marsh the midfield. Chiefs’ Gaston Sirino and Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng will be on the wings.
The Chiefs’ pair of Ashley du Preez and Naledi Hlongwane will lead the attack.
The All-Star team is a mix of experience and the next generation – with five players coming from Diski sides and the other six from the first teams campaigning in the Premier Soccer League.
“As the exciting Carling Black Label Cup looms, we reflect on a campaign that has already seen over four million votes cast,” said Kerryn Greenleaf, Carling Black Label’s Brand Director.”
“The Carling All-Star team, with a squad wholly selected by champion fans in a never-seen-before mash-up, will be looking to defend the trophy they won last year.”
“It will be interesting to see…can the Magesi FC team of giant slayers, slay a team of collective giants in the spiritual home of South African football!? We encourage the fans to get their tickets early for something that will truly be special.”
“We encourage the fans to get there early because it will be a spectacle with entertainment both on and off the field.”
Tickets for the Carling Black Label Cup are on sale for as little as R50 at Ticketpro as well as Shoprite outlets nationwide.
Champion fans will be entertained by football and a stellar cast of entertainers. Once again, they will be in line to win R90 000 through the Fak’iGoal Uzobona initiative.
The campaign seeks to promote the scoring of early goals by rewarding the champion fan who correctly predicts the team that will score the first goal and the minute it will be scored.
The prize starts at R90 000 and decreases by R1 000 with each passing minute.
The champion fan who makes the correct prediction will receive the remaining amount – with the club that scores first getting an equal portion.
Champion fans will also select the Man of the Match, who will receive a cool R100 000 winner’s cheque.
The Carling All-Star team will be led by coach Jose Riveiro, who won the Carling Black Label Cup with the side last year against Stellenboch FC in Polokwane.
The Spaniard will have a strong bench to call up to change the game. Nqobani Biyela is the reserve goalkeeper. The defenders that will start on the bench are Dimpho Mdalane, Xolani Cossa, Akhanyisile Sinoti and Reeve Frosler.
The midfield and attack will boast Mfundo Vilakazi, Sanele Phiri, Simphiwe Selepe, Monnapule Saleng, Thembinkosi Lorch, Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
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.
