Carling Black Label Cup would like to congratulate Orlando Pirates Football Club for booking their place in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. Pirates defeated AS Kaloum of Guinea 6-1 on aggregate to advance to the Last 8 of the Confederation Cup for the first time in their history and continue to fly the South African flag in African club competition.
The Buccaneers will now play six group stage matches; the first of which will be on the weekend of 26–28 June. Their third pool match is scheduled on the weekend of 24-26 July. Pirates’ success means that there will be a date clash with the 25 July initially scheduled for the 2015 Carling Black Label Cup against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB stadium. The brand is currently finalising an alternative game date with both teams, for the only tournament that empowers fans by offering them the opportunity of selecting the starting line-up for their favourite teams. “Orlando Pirates’ fantastic run to the group stages of the Confederation Cup for the first time in their history is something that should be applauded and celebrated by the whole country as they fly our flag on the continental stage.” says Carling Black Label General Manager Vijay Govindsamy.
“The 2015 Carling Black Label Cup match date was set in June last year before the CAF calendar was released, and we therefore could not have anticipated the potential clash with the Confederation Cup. We are willing to make adjustments in order to accommodate Orlando Pirates in this regard and will make an announcement in this regard in due course.” Govindsamy concluded. Meanwhile, fans are urged to continue voting for their starting line-ups, in the quest to build the strongest sides for their teams.
Here are the current starting XIs of both teams: Kaizer Chiefs: Brilliant Khuzwayo – Kgotso Moleko, Siboniso Gaxa, Erick Mathoho, Tsepo Masilela – George Lebese, Willard Katsande, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala – Bernard Parker, David Zulu.
Orlando Pirates: Brighton Mhlongo – Happy Jele, Rooi Mahamutsa, Lucky Lekgwathi, Thabo Matlaba – Thabo Rakhale, Oupa Manyisa, Sifiso Myeni, Menzi Masuku – Lehlohonolo Majoro, Kermit Erasmus.
Fans can still continue to vote and make their voices heard by purchasing a specially marked bottle of Carling Black Label beer and look out for the unique underliner which will allow them to vote. By dialling *120*660* underliner code# on their cell phones (at a cost of 20 cents per 20 seconds) or visiting www.carlingblacklabel.co.za, they can easily select their starting line-up and lead their team to victory. This will also automatically enter fans into the competition to be the match-day Consumer Coach where the winners will get the opportunity to enjoy the game with the team from the bench!
