BATTLE lines have been drawn in what is expected to be the most hotly contested match in the four year history of the Carling Black Label Cup. The 2014 edition of the derby between two of the countries fiercest football rivals is expected to reach fever pitch on Saturday July 26.
The launch of the fourth edition took place appropriately at the FNB Stadium on Monday May 12.
“If the supporters select the team it doesn’t much vary from what we will select, but there are a few surprises,” said Stuart Baxter Head Coach from Kaizer Chiefs.
“This is the first opportunity for me to start out the season since I’ve been the coach,” said Vladimir Vermezovic.
The Carling Black Label Cup has proved to be one of the biggest showdowns on the South African football calendar. Since its inception, the football tournament has not only illustrated the passion the fans have for football, but also set new benchmarks for fan participation, as measured by the number of votes cast for the teams’ starting line-ups.
The 2013 campaign surpassed expectations with a total of 22.2 million votes recorded. This compared to 20 million votes in 2012, which had been nearly double the 10.5 million from the previous year. The format that allows football fans to participate in the Carling Black Label Cup by voting in the starting line-up of their favourite team, has remained largely the same. One exception is that fans will be encouraged to select a full starting 11, as opposed to just one player. As was the case in previous years, supporters will also be able to make the substitution changes on match day, by voting in players they think will influence the game, as they look to steer their side to victory.
To enter, fans over the age of 18 should purchase a specially branded Carling Black Label beer bottle or can and look for the unique number code on the under liner of the bottle top or can ring pull. They must then dial *120*764* followed by the unique code found on the under liner and the # key. They then can choose the team they would like to manage, and their starting line-up.
An exciting addition to this year’s voting process is the option of voting online via www.carlingblacklabel.co.za. On the website, fans will be able to vote for their starting line-up, view their current team and have access to exclusive content about the campaign.
Supporters who cast their votes for one of the team’s starting line-ups, stand a chance to win great prizes, including the unique champion coach’s experience the Carling Black Label Cup is known for, with either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates on match day. This once in a lifetime opportunity will afford two lucky adult fans to see their team in training, sit in the pre-match briefing and sit with their favourite team in the dugout.
Kaizer Chiefs broke the deadlock for the first time last year, having won the PSL league on their way to winning the Carling Black Label Cup on their third attempt, beating their archrivals Orlando Pirates 1-0.
The Buccaneers also brought their league title crown to win the first two encounters of this prestigious campaign, both via tough penalty shoot-outs after closely-contested clashes. The first match in 2011 ended with 0-0 and the Buccaneers emerged supreme with a 4-3 win on penalties. In 2012 the encounter was similarly close for both teams as the match ended in 1-1; Bucs clinched a 5-4 win in a stadium filled to capacity – an all-time attendance record for a soccer event.
This year, neither teams are league title holders; with their pride and the 2014 Carling Black Label Cup trophy at stake, the rivalry among both fans and teams is expected to be intense.
Carling Black Label will be keeping fans up to date with voting throughout the campaign, but supporters can also view their team’s update and have their say by visiting www.carlingblacklabel.co.za
