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EZEKIEL PHALANA
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Carling Black Label has officially launched the fourth edition of the Carling Knockout Cup, bringing fresh excitement to South African football with the introduction of the Champion Coach Experience, an initiative that gives passionate supporters the opportunity to test their football knowledge, influence the game and stand a chance to win exciting rewards.
Brought to Mzansi by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in partnership with Carling Black Label, the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup reinforces the brand’s commitment to placing Champion Fans at the centre of the beautiful game.
Since becoming the tournament’s sponsor in 2023, Carling Black Label has continued to create opportunities for supporters to participate beyond the stands. This year, the brand is taking fan engagement to another level by inviting supporters to step into the shoes of football coaches and prove their tactical knowledge through the Champion Coach Experience.
With the Last 16 stage confirmed, anticipation is building as teams prepare for the next phase of the competition. The PSL will announce the fixture dates in due course.
Through the Champion Coach Experience, fans can use unique codes found on promotional Carling Black Label packs to predict the starting line-ups of their favourite teams and their opponents ahead of every fixture. Supporters who make the most accurate predictions stand a chance to win instant prizes and climb the Champion Coach leaderboard, bringing them closer to the ultimate Champion Coach Experience at the final.
The excitement extends beyond pre-match predictions. During every Carling Knockout Cup fixture, fans can vote for the Carling Knockout Cup Champion of the Match, recognising the player they believe made the biggest impact on the pitch. One lucky supporter who correctly predicts the Man of the Match stands a chance to win R10,000.
“Carling Black Label has always been a brand that believes the Champion Fan should have a voice in the game,” said Kerryn Greanleaf, Carling Black Label Brand Director.
She explained that the Champion Coach Experience builds on the brand’s efforts to bring supporters closer to the football they love by allowing them to think, speak and act like coaches while testing their knowledge and earning rewards.
“Football fans have always coached from the sidelines. They know who should start, which formation to use, who should be dropped and who can change a game. With the Champion Coach Experience, we are giving them an opportunity to put those opinions to the test by predicting the starting line-up for every game,” Greanleaf added.
“Every fixture creates another opportunity for our Champion Fans to make their voices count. This is their game, their call.”
Beyond the football action, Carling Black Label continues to promote positive masculinity through its #NoExcuse platform, which has engaged South African men on gender-based violence since 2017. Through initiatives such as The Real Injury Time, the platform challenges harmful behaviours and perceptions of masculinity, while Champions for Change encourages men to take positive action.
The #NoExcuse BRAVE WhatsApp Line also offers confidential support and guidance. Men seeking assistance can WhatsApp BRAVE to 0800 150 150.
As the tournament enters its fourth edition, Carling Black Label is strengthening the connection between football and its supporters by creating meaningful opportunities for fans to participate, share their knowledge and be recognised for their passion for the game.
Champion Fans are encouraged to follow Carling Black Label’s official social media platforms and campaign channels for further information about the Champion Coach Experience, upcoming fixtures and Champion of the Match voting.
Website: www.carlingblacklabelcup.co.za USSD: *120*660# (USSD 20c/20s) Ts&Cs apply.
Twitter: @blacklabelsa
Facebook: Carling Black Label
Instagram: @carlingblacklabel
Official Hashtag: #CarlingKnockout