Wait for southern derby almost over
Supporters of both clubs have less than a week to have a say in the starting line-ups, choosing of the formations, selecting the captains as well as who will be the penalty takers on match day.
The wait for the biggest pre-season game in South African football is almost over, with just a few days left before the giants of local football lock horns in the game-changing Carling Black Label Cup, to be played at Orlando Stadium on August 1.
With so much excitement around the Carling Black Label Cup which makes a return after its absence in 2020, champion fans are encouraged to make their voices heard, as voting for the three pre-match game-changers is set to close at midnight on July 27.
Supporters of both clubs have less than a week to have a say in the starting line-ups, choosing of the formations, selecting the captains as well as who will be the penalty takers on match day.
What makes voting easier for the champion fans is the statistics available to them simply by visiting www.carlingblacklabelcup.co.za to empower fans’ decision making on who they pick for the game-changers on match day.
“The response from our fans has been absolutely electric. If you see the numbers of votes we have received, we are over two million.
“I think people are looking for something that they can control when the world is spinning slightly out of control, and we’ve seen how the adoring fans of South African football have interacted with the campaign. People are just loving that they have so much power.
“The four main game-changers that are going to end by next Tuesday are the choosing of the starting line-up, the choosing of the formation, the choosing of the captain and the choosing of the penalty takers. They will be announced on Wednesday,” Carling Black brand director Arné Rust said.
Samir Nurkovic is leading the votes for the penalty taker, with Khama Billiat and Itumeleng Khune right behind him in second and third. On the Pirates side, Zakhele Lepasa leads the votes for penalty takers in the Pirates side, with Gabadinho Mhango and Happy Jele in second and third respectively.
“I am happy with how the Chiefs fans have voted for the penalty taker. Chiefs supporters are always coming to the party when it comes to voting and they vote for players who they believe will represent the team well on the day. I am impressed with how they have been choosing players,” said former footballer Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
“I think the Buccaneers have chosen very well when it comes to the penalty takers. I am happy with those options. They have given the young man Zakhele Lepasa a lot of responsibility.
“I thought he had a great season for Pirates before he got injured. They have chosen him to be the number one penalty taker. There is Gabadinho Mhango our option two and option three is captain fantastic Happy Jele. So, I would say I am happy with those options,” Phumudzo Manenzhe said.
Supporters of both clubs seem to be in favour of the traditional 4-4-2 formation and former Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini has credited Carling Black Label for introducing formations as part of the game-changers.
“Formations now are a part of modern football, where it’s just a matter of getting the proper structure and influence in how teams defend and how they go forward. It’s really good to see the innovation and it’s great to see that Carling Black Label has introduced this.
“We want people to be aware of formations and statistics. Modern football does dictate that you don’t necessarily have to have speed or skill or endurance, but you have to have tactical awareness. My preferred formation is a 4-3-3. I think if I were a coach, my team would play in a 4-3-3 formation.” Dlamini said.
