WHY THE CARLING DERBY REMAINS SPECIAL TO ME

The Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates remains a highlight for football fans across South Africa. The Carling Black Label Champion Cup further makes the Derby extra special because of its unique way of empowering fans.

This year’s game changing innovation for the Carling Black Label Champion Cup means fans do not only select their starting line-up, but will also get to dictate which formation is best suitable for their teams on match day.

Since its inception in 2011, this is a game that has been played in front of a sold out FNB Stadium and this year’s spectacle scheduled for the 29th of July promises to be another exciting occasion, with the anticipation already building amongst the fans. At the forefront of tactical planning for this classic clash are the Champion Coaches, two lucky fans who become part of their beloved team on match day and are tasked with helping their side lift the coveted trophy as part of the Carling Black Label Champion Cup  coaches’ experience.

The Champion Coaches will not just spend a day with their sides, but also get to speak to the players and help with the pre-emptive decisions, including plotting the correct formation to give the team the best chance of victory.

Sidney Molepo was the Champion Coach for Kaizer Chiefs in 2015 and says it was a life-changing experience that opened his eyes as to what goes into match-day preparation.

“It was simply amazing, there is no other way to describe it,” Molepo says.

 “Going from being a fan who’s used to sitting in the stands to being in the dug-out on match day and issuing instructions to players was incredible.

But it was also a huge responsibility, as there was a full stadium of fans and they were depending on at me to guide the team. “He says being the Champion Coach was not only life changing for him but also for his community. Molepo emerged from the experience with a coaching certificate, which now allows him to coach developmental teams across the country.

Also entrenched into the spirit of the Carling Black Label Champion Cup derby experience are the clubs’ very own Super Fans, who adds a fan fair to the event like no other.

“It is always a great occasion for the supporters,” says Orlando Pirates supporter Mthandazo Nkomo also known as Ghost The Shemani to his fellow enthusiasts. “Fans create a very special atmosphere especially whenever FNB stadium is filled to capacity.”

Nkomo says the one Carling Derby that stood out for him was the one that took place in 2012, back when Benni McCarthy invaded the 18 area and netted an equalising goal with just seconds remaining on the clock and forced the game into a nail biting penalty shoot-out. Pirates finally prevailed and lifted the Trophy in victory just as they had in the inaugural year in 2011.

Kaizer Chiefs super fan Goodman Sholo says he has never missed a Carling Derby clash.

“It is the one game that kicks off the season, showcasing new players and giving us a taste of what lies ahead in terms of our favourite teams performances. If you think of the great players who have shone in this fixture, it is always a Who’s Who of the top South African talent.

Sholo believes this year’s Carling clash will go down in history books as the one to remember.

“Fans are now more influencial than ever before. By affording us the opportunity to select the formation,we can choose a balanced team, which will allow us to tactically assess the opposition and adjust our strategy accordingly. Fan’s knowlegde of the game will be tested to the limit as only the best players will be on the pitch” says Sholo

The four (4) formations provided to the fans all allow their teams to play, the solid 4-4-2, the pressing 3-5-2, the attacking 3-4-3 and the ambitious 4-3-3.

To cast their votes, fans can do so by purchasing a Carling Black Label beer and dialling *120*660*. They then enter their unique underliner code and then#. Entry is FREE on USSD or alternative can go to www.carlingblacklabel.co.za to further engage on the campaign through weekly questions.

The 2017 edition will not only give South African fans a taste of the derby experience. The brand has futher extended their reach by affording neighbours; Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe to also engage in the campaign.

Ticket sales for the 2017 showpiece have opened and are available at Computicket in Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide, or at www.computicket.com. Unreserved seating on Level 5 at R70-00;

Level 1 at R100-00 and reserved seating on Level 2 at R170-00.

Posted by Christopher Maqashu