JOHANNESBURG – The Carling Knockout Cup football competition featuring 16 clubs in the elite Premiership, returns to the stage with an innovation rewarding the 12th man – the supporters – for their continued immense role in the game. The innovation gives fans a chance to win a share of the R20.2 million prize money in the sponsored tournament.

This was unveiled at the official launch that served as the draw in Johannesburg last Wednesday – 14 October. This comes in the form of new Champion Coach Experience, offering supporters an opportunity to put their football knowledge to the test, have their voices heard throughout the tournament and stand a chance to be rewarded with a champion coach experience at the final.

The latest fan-based creative is in addition to the Champion of the Match (Man of the Match) and Champion Fan awards. The Champion of the Match enables fans to vote for the player who excels and makes the biggest impact on the pitch each match, with the player receiving R100 000 per match.
In return, one lucky Champion Fan per match who correctly predicts the Man of the Match, stands a chance to win a whopping R10 000.

“Football fans have always coached from the sidelines. They know who should start, the formation, 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,” said Kerryn Greenleaf, the sponsor’s brand director.

The draw marked the fourth edition of the competition. Since its introduction in 2023 under the new sponsorship, underdogs have proven their worth in the competition, beating powerhouses. Stellenbosch became the inaugural champions in 2023, followed by the now-relegated Magesi FC in 2024.

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However, last year, giants Orlando Pirates ended the history-making trend, winning the trophy following a 1 – 0 win against Marumo Gallants in the final. The Buccaneers will start the defence of their crown against newcomers Milford FC, while last year’s runner-up Gallants will take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a repeat of last year’s opening-round clash. The Brazilians will be looking to avenge their 7 – 6 defeat on penalties in the opening stage of the competition.