SPIN’S KEY COG IN WHEEL
After years of planning it’s time to deliver
Johannesburg’s popular Park Station was abuzz with activity on Tuesday afternoon when the Carling Black Label Cup made a return to the South African sports calendar.
Fans dressed in Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs jerseys were given a glimpse of what this year’s edition will entail, including new rules that have never been applied in the game before.
Carling Black Label brand director Grant Pereira said the absence of the cup last year gave the brand a chance to research what fans really want.
“In recognising the necessity to evolve the concept of the Carling Black Label Cup, while simultaneously retaining the elements which are core to the DNA of the property, we are retaining the selection of the starting line-up, and champion coach experience.
“However, staying true to our bold character, and our role in enabling the voice of the fan, we are excited to announce the 2019 game-changers, and in doing so, give the champion fan the opportunity to voice their opinion, and shape the future of football.”
The brand has proposed seven new changes, using an opinion poll on social media. The proposed seven changes are:
● Coaches will have an option of utilising a fourth substitute to replace the goalkeeper.
● Fans can select their own starting line-up and select their team’s captain for the day.
● Fans on Twitter can contribute to the selection of a substitute.
● Fans can vote for man-of- thematch via Twitter.
● Should the proposal be approved, teams can have rolling substitutes, to allow players to enter and exit the field of play at any time.
● Yellow card timeout will also be introduced, resulting in two to five minutes out of play for booked players.
● The referee will also wear a mic so that fans on TV can hear his interactions with players.
Pereira said: “This is an exciting moment for the brand, but made possible through partnership with these two teams. Carling strives to be the voice of the fans and these teams give us that opportunity.
“We initially launched this cup in 2011. We wanted to give fans a world first and let them select the coach. We had a oneyear hiatus, and used that time to explore what people want.
“We spoke to fans, players and coaches on changes they’d like to see on the game. The future of football is in the fans’ hands and we think that is the amazing point about this campaign.”
Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright brought in an international perspective to the proposed changes.
“Even the lower clubs are getting money to help with that change. The fans are never less important.
“They are the only ones who don’t really get anything but pay to watch the games, but the fans now have an opportunity to make those changes,” said Wright.
“The power Carling is giving fans is so much in a game of this magnitude. This wouldn’t happen in England.”
He added: “I like the mic on the ref option. If you give fans this control, surely they should know what the ref is saying and why he’s making those decisions.”
Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic welcomed the innovations.
“The cup takes pressure off the coaches. This is the most democratic cup on this planet. Now we can accuse the fans of favouritism.
“I also support the mic on the ref. It is very important for the referee to explain to us what he has seen and how he came to those decisions.”
Said Chiefs captain Willard Katsande: “There is no friendly match between these two clubs. It’s always competitive, and we need to please the fans, and we will give it give 100%.”