Champion Coaches Fever Strikes SA

Over the years, the Soweto Derby has been known as a “never to be missed” occasion on the football calendar. The 2013 Carling Black Label Cup is set to add another chapter to the derby history by providing more unforgettable memories for champion coaches across South Africa.

Whether at the stadium or the comfort of their homes, the fierce rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates brings about unbridled passion from fans – 27 July 2013 is set to do the same.

Among those looking forward to the much anticipated derby is 31 years old Lebohang Matinyane from Phokeng. Matinyane watched the two previous Carling Black Label Cup matches at a local tavern with friends.  Although their company always adds to the drama of a derby game, he is certain the stadium atmosphere is what live football is all about and he will certainly be doing things differently this year.

“The minute I heard tickets were on sale, I immediately went and bought mine. This time around, it will be me, my wife and our two sons sitting at Soccer City.’’

“I have voted for all my best players in the Bucs camp and will continue to do so till closing date. All I wish is for my team (Orlando Pirates) to start the next season on a high note.” said Matinyane.

For 28 year old Simphiwe Ndlela, the Carling Black Label Cup means he has to mix business with pleasure. The fanatic Amakhosi supporter owns a minibus taxi and has been tasked to drive members of his supporters’ branch to the game.

“We have shown our support for the team by voting and we now have to show that we are the real champion coaches by attending the game. I have been doing this for the past two years and even though our team lost, it has been worth it. We are looking forward to being part of this prestigious event.” said Ndlela.

Judging by Kaizer Chiefs’ sterling performance in the 2012/13 season, Ndlela is confident they will lift their first ever Carling Black Label Cup Trophy, making his five hours trip from Pinetown in KZN worthwhile indeed.

Meanwhile, Phathiswa Mngomezulu from Kempton Park is also excited about this year’s tournament.  “I like the Carling Black Label initiative because we as fans get to choose who we want on the pitch and on the bench. During the first year, I did not know much about the concept and did not participate but things were different last year – I went all out to educate myself and learned how to vote. It was a fun and interactive experience.  I am doing it again this year and I am still enjoying it,” Said Mngomezulu.

Vuyane Nongoma from the Free State has also given the Carling Black Label Cup campaign his thumbs up.

“I have been supportive of my team Kaizer Chiefs since the inception of Carling Black Label Cup. To me the most important thing is that, this is the first in SA. We came up with something that has never been done anywhere. We have to be proud; I love this Mzansi initiative,” Said Nongoma.

To enter and ‘Be the Champions Coach’, fans over the age of 18 can once again purchase a specially marked bottle of Carling Black Label beer and look out for the unique  code on the underside of the bottle top.

By dialing *120*764* on their cell phones and entering their unique code from the underside of the bottle top and the # sign (with no spaces in between), they can then choose the team they would like to manage, and the players they would like to see in the starting line-up.

Voting is free to the consumer. Those supporters who cast their votes can win great prizes, including a share of R3-million worth of airtime, match tickets to the spectacle event on July 27 and, best of all, a coach’s experience with either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs on match day.