by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC have been voted the top four to compete in the rebranded Carling Black Label Cup. Initially introduced as a two-team tournament between two Soweto greats Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates years ago, the fan-favourite cup will now feature four teams from the DSTV Premiership.
The tournament however has kept its fan-voting process, where all the 16 Premiership clubs stood a chance to participate, given that their supporters voted them into the top four. The FNB Stadium will still play hosts to the tournament, with the 90-thousand seater calabash expected to be full to the brim on the 12th of November 2022.
The cup’s organisers on Tuesday held a press conference at the sponsors headquarters in Bryanston, Johannesburg, to give an update on amongst other things, the now closed voting process and the expected kick-off times.
The first semi-final will be played at 9H30, and the second semi-final starts at 12H30, with the final taking place at 17H00 o’clock.
The four clubs were represented by former players, now ambassadors for the clubs. Hlompho Kekana represented Mamelodi Sundowns, Mandla Masango for Kaizer Chiefs, while Phumudzo Manenzhe represented Orlando Pirates with AmaZulu being represented by Tshepo Masilela.
Fans will still get a chance to vote for their favourite player to the field of play.