A unique experience for the Champion Coaches

The 2012 Carling Black Label Cup Champion Coaches took with them an experience of a life-time. They might be fans of rival teams but, Orlando Pirates fan Lazarus Moeng and Kaizer Chiefs supporter Wilson Mbatha remain united on one thing; the Carling Black Label Cup “Champion Coach Experience” is priceless.

Moeng and Mbatha were amongst millions of South Africans who cast votes in the Carling Black Label cup, which offers fans the unique opportunity to select the tournament’s starting line-up for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. But their passion and dedication for the game got them more than that- being selected as the 2012 “Champion Coaches”.

As part of their prize each one of the winning duo gets to join their favourite teams for training, sit in the pre-match briefings and be part of the dug-out on derby day.

Mbatha, who was sitting on the Kaizer Chiefs bench said, he still remembers details of that day as if it were yesterday. “My best moment was when Coach Stuart Baxter asked me to address the boys just before they walked to the tunnel - It was overwhelming knowing that they (players) and together with millions of fans out there were relying on me to keep the team motivated.”

“I had the best time of my life and that is something I will cherish for life.” he added.

For the father of two and Pirates fan, Lazarus Moeng, this was the realisation of a dream and a rebirth of his journey of leaving a legacy behind.

“I received enormous support from my community during that time; growing up my parents used to tell me how powerful knowledge is. I knew that when it was all over I had to plough back into my community.”

“I now go around motivating and encouraging youngsters around Brakpan to believe in their dream. I am living proof that life can take you anywhere, if only you believe in yourself.” He says

With the help of his son, Moeng have also started an amateur team for kids between 8 – 14 years of age.

The third year of the Carling Black Label Cup will again see two lucky consumers l stand a chance to win the “Champions Coach Experience”. This is a once in a life-time experience for adult consumers. Fans need to log onto www.carlingblacklabel.co.za and proceed to the Forum to enter and stand a chance of being selected as a Champion Coach. On the Forum, 8 weekly winners from each team, 16 in total, will be invited to the Champion Coach Finals event on the 20th of July.

At that event the 16 participants will go through 6 tasks and be judged by a panel of experts who will choose the final 2 coaches. The lucky winners will have the opportunity to join their respective teams for a few days in the build-up to the event day and sit in the dugout on  match day and make the team substitutions.

To date four lucky consumers have already been selected as finalists of the 2013 Champion Coach experience. The beaming finalists are extremely excited and ready to impress the panel.

Orlando Pirates

 Khotso Mfati (31) from Pretoria.

Mpho Magomola (35) from Soweto.

Kaizer Chiefs

Phumelelo Pienaar (34) from Cape Town.

Pule Maseko (31) from QwaQwa.