Kermit Erasmus, Ashley du Preez and Itumeleng Khune will line-up in the same team for the first time ever, after hundreds of thousands of champion fans made their voices heard for the new format of the 2023/2024 Carling Black Label Cup.
The Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs trio are part of a strong Carling All-Star team that will take on Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6th of January 2024, in the revised Carling Black Label Cup.
Fans were able to vote for their favourite players from across Premier Division and Diski Challenge teams, to form the real-life fantasy team that is the Carling All-Stars. The team features players from AmaZulu FC, as well as Soweto sides Chiefs and Pirates– who are used to squaring off against each other in this competition.
The fierce rivals – who divide the country when they play against each other – will come together for a common cause of looking to get the better of Stellies.
Erasmus proved to be the most voted for player, receiving 39 691 votes with Du Preez a close second with 38 766 votes. The pair will join forces to lead the Carling All-Star’s attack.
The midfield will consist of Kaizer Chiefs’ Edson Castillo, who will line up alongside three Diski Challenge players – Kagiso Mnguni from Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs’ highly rated Mfundo Vilakazi and AmaZulu’s Siphamandla Zikhali.
Olisa Ndah from Buccaneers and Usuthu’s Ramahlwe Mphahlele will be the Carling All-Star’s centre backs. At fullback, champion fans chose Usuthu’s Diski Challenge player Masibonge Ngidi and Jabulani Mokone from Amakhosi’ Diski Challenge.
Kaizer Chief goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune will be in goal for the Carling All-Star side after receiving the third highest number of votes, making this his 10th Carling Black Label Cup edition.
Khune will have the tough job of trying to stop the high-scoring Stellenbosch who found the back of the net eight times in four games during their successful Carling Knockout run.
The Carling All-Star team will be led by Orlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro, the coach who received the most votes from the fans. Coach Riveiro will also have two assistant coaches from the DStv Diski Challenge Champions and runners up from the previous season. This sets up what promises to be an entertaining spectacle against Stellies’ Steve Barker. The two coaches have faced each other five times, with both coaches winning two games apiece and the other ending in a draw in games that produced 12 goals.
Interestingly, none of the contested fixtures have ended without a goal. If this record continues, one lucky champion fan could win up to R900 000 through Fak ‘iGoal Uzobona activation, an innovation by the Carling Black Label brand to push teams to score early to bring the energy into the match.
To walk away with the prize money, all champion fans must do is guess what minute of the game the 1st goal will be scored in the Carling Cup and by which team. The amount will decrease by R10 000 with each passing minute without a goal.
The amount that will be remaining when the first goal is scored will be received by the lucky champion fan, while the team that scores that goal will also get the exact amount.
The much talked about R100 000 prize for the Man of the Match that will be voted for by fans will also make an appearance.
Stellies’ forward Iqraam Rayners could finish the tournament with half a million, having bagged four Man of the Match awards during the Carling Knockout to pocket R400 000.
Carling Black Label have not only given champion supporters a voice, but they have also been rewarding them with thousands of rands while also awarding players the biggest cheque on the continent for a Man of the Match accolade.
New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane will host the team chosen by fans across South Africa, with almost 3-million votes cast. The Carling Cup promises a great day of entertainment and football festivities for fans. With the Carling Knockout being one of the highest scoring competitions in the country, bodes well for the Carling Cup being an exciting encounter.
Tickets are already on sale at TicketPro outlets nationwide and online for only R40 for this one-of-a-kind match.
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
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Twitter: @blacklabelsa
Facebook: Carling Black Label
Instagram: @carlingblacklabel
Official Hashtag: #CarlingCup
