Legends talk Carling Black Label Cup

In light of the upcoming and much anticipated Carling Black Label Cup, former strikers of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, Shane MacGregor and Jerry Sikhosana, share their own sentiments with regards to the cup.

The Carling Black Label Cup will see fans of the two archrivals vote for their starting line-up for the showpiece fixture at FNB Stadium on Saturday, July 26, selecting players that they believe will win the desired trophy for their side.

MacGregor, Kaizer Chiefs star (1987-1994), believes the players he played with would have loved the Carling Black Label Cup concept.

“I know they all would have loved such a great concept, it is a unique that would have been really special to be part of,” said MacGregory.

According to MacGregory, the chance to be involved in a game of this magnitude is a brilliant idea, something the local football fraternity should be proud of.

Apart from the fun that comes with being the ‘Coach’ for the day, MacGregor says that the concept also has a serious and has encouraged fans to be wise enough not to select players only because they are favorites to them.

“In our times, we had guys like Wellington Manyathi, who was not the most popular player but was vital as to how we played. His robust way of playing in the midfield and ball-winning ability helped to frustrate the opponents, and creating space for his team mates to play,” he added.

According to the former star, it seems like it will be the 4-4-2 style of playing again for Chiefs this year, which is in his view, good news for the team. “It is surprising though that midfielder Willard Katsande, has been dropped out of the starting XI, his ball-winning skills in the center of the park are a big plus for the team,” he said.

Orlando Pirates legendary striker, Jerry Sikhosana, also enjoys the Carling Black Label Cup concept and believes they have the squad to win back the trophy this year.

His team won the first two Carling Black Label Cups in 2011 and 2012, but were beaten last year by a goal from Lehlohonolo Majoro, who will be seen appearing in the colours of The Buccaneers this year.

“All three previous matches in the Carling Black Label Cup have been very tight, there won’t be that much of a different in goals, it might even go to the penalties for a decider,” said Sikhosana.

According to Sikhosana, Orlando Pirates strikers seem zealous to win this cup. “If your opposition is Kaizer Chiefs as a striker, all you want is to score, you want to prove a point. In Soweto Derbies you often get just a few chances, because the teams are so well matched and the standard so high, but you have to grab those chances when they come,” he added.

Sikhosana believes the Buccaneers have scored a potent weapon in Majoro, as he can unlock any defence, but needs the right kind of player next to him.

“Someone like Lennox Bacela, who can hold the ball up well, would be a good pick next to him, with Kermit Erasmus maybe being used more out wide to utilize his pace,” concluded the soccer legend.

Supporters still have six weeks to vote for the starting line-ups of the Soweto giants before voting close on the 22nd July 2014, midnight.

To do this fans over the age of 18 can start by purchasing a Carling Black Label beer and they can either dial *120*764* or go into the website www.carlingblacklabel.co.za, enter their unique code found on the underside of the bottle cap or can pull ring (with no spaces in between) followed by # key. This will enable fans to choose the team they would like to manage, and the players they would like to see start.

The Carling Black Label initiative also comes with an experience of a life time for two lucky fans; one representing Kaizer Chiefs and the other Orlando Pirates. The two “Champion Coaches” will have breakfast with their team, attend team training sessions, be part of the announcement of the starting line-ups live on national TV, sit in on the pre-match briefing and take their place on the bench with their favourite team on match day.

In order to be eligible for this competition, Champion Coaches must vote a minimum of 11 times. Fans can further join the Coaches Forum to take their coaching credentials to the next level.