New Carling Black Label Cup format, praised by Benni McCarthy

Champion fans have seven days left to make their voices heard on which players from the 15 premier division clubs they want to see playing for their Carling All-Star team against Carling Knockout champions, Magesi FC.

The Carling All-Star team, whose starting XI will be selected by Champion fans, will take on the giant-killers Magesi FC in a Carling Black Label Cup match at Orlando Stadium on 21 December.

Voting will close on 10 December 2024 at 10:00am.

Champion Brand, Carling Black Label, empowered the Champion fans, who have embraced the power they have been given to select not only the starting XI but also the coach and the deserving recipient of the Man of the Match award, which comes with a cool R100 000 cheque.   

More than 3,5 million votes have been cast to date by Champion fans, whose Carling All-Star team so far includes players from Kaizer Chiefs FC, Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is the most popular player, with more than 51 000 votes cast in his favour.

The Diski Challenge striking pair of Naledi Hlongwane, from Amakhosi, and the Brazilians’ Vincent Mokoena complete the list of the top three most voted-for players.

The duo has each received more than 31 000 votes.

Champion fans have put together a competitive team with Chaine in goal.

The back four features Bradley Cross and Aiden McCarthy, who come from Amakhosi, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Jabulani Mokone are on the Buccaneers’ books.

The midfield is made up of the Sundowns’ pair of Bathusi Aubaas and Sphelele Mkhulise, along with Chiefs’ Gaston Sirino and Relebohile Mofokeng of the Buccaneers.

The attack will be led by the upcoming Diski talent of Mokoena and Hlongwane.

South African born, International Coach Benni McCarthy, who launched his career as a 17-year-old, praised the tournament’s new format.

The Carling All-Star team will consist of five players from the Diski sides and six senior players.

The blend of experience and youth allow for the next generation to rub shoulders and learn from the current stars of the game.

“This is a unique and great format of the Carling Black Label Cup,” says McCarthy, who won the Carling Black Label Cup in 2012, when it was still only contested by Pirates and Chiefs.

“In fantasy football, you get to do this. But you don’t think that it’s possible to do it in a real, live match, great innovation by the brand.”

“The Carling Black Label Cup is a great platform for fans to not only get rewarded but also have more engagement with the beautiful game that they love.”

“They get to pick who they would like to see on the pitch. You want to see electric and entertaining football, then you select the players who play entertaining football.”

“You want to see goals, you get to select players who score week in, week out. Where do you see that anywhere else in the world?”

McCarthy especially praised the element of giving young talent a chance by ringfencing space for players from the Diski teams.

The Champion fans have also backed that talent, with players from the league among the most popular.

Last year, Mfundo Vilakazi was playing for the Amakhosi Diski side. He dazzled and delighted in the Carling Black Label Cup, helping the Carling All-Star team beat Stellenbosch FC 2-1.

His performance earned him a first team contract at Amakhosi. McCarthy believes that another Diski player can follow in the footsteps of Vilakazi.

“This is an opportunity that you have waited a lifetime for, so make the most of it,” McCarthy advised the Diski players.

“Be brave, be fearless and give it everything you’ve got because after this everyone will be talking about the young players if you have a game of your life. It is a perfect platform to launch your career.” 

Manqoba Mngqithi leads the votes to coach the Carling All-Star team. The Sundowns’ boss has received more than 34 000 votes, while the Pirates’ mentor Jose Riveiro is in second place and Nasreddine Nabi of Amakhosi is in third place.

Tickets are already on sale for R50, available at all Ticketpro outlets.

Champion fans must buy a promotional 750ml or 500ml Carling Black Label to vote for their favourite players and coaches.

After that they have to dial *120*660*UNIQUE CODE# and follow the prompts to vote for their favourite player or coach to be a part of the starting XI.