FOURWAYS, JOHANNESBURG – Carling Black Label has launched the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup, introducing an exciting Champion Coach Experience that will give football supporters an opportunity to test their tactical knowledge, influence the game and compete for prizes, including a special experience at the tournament final.
Officially launched on 14 October 2026, the fourth edition of the competition sees Carling Black Label continue its partnership with the Premier Soccer League (PSL), strengthening its commitment to placing fans at the centre of South African football.
Since becoming the tournament’s sponsor in 2023, the brand has sought to create opportunities for supporters to participate beyond the stands, rewarding their football knowledge and giving them a greater voice in the game.
This year’s Champion Coach Experience takes that approach further, allowing fans to step into the role of coach by predicting starting line-ups for upcoming fixtures and competing for a place at the top of the Champion Coach leaderboard.
With the Last 16 stage confirmed, supporters are awaiting the announcement of fixture dates from the PSL.
Fans to put their football knowledge to the test
Through the Champion Coach Experience, fans can use a unique code from a promotional Carling Black Label pack to predict the starting line-ups of both teams ahead of each Carling Knockout Cup fixture.
Supporters who make the most accurate predictions stand a chance to win instant prizes while accumulating points on the Champion Coach leaderboard. The ultimate reward is a Champion Coach Experience at the final.
The campaign also gives fans an opportunity to influence matchday recognition through the Carling Knockout Cup Champion of the Match voting initiative.
During every match, supporters can vote for the player they believe made the biggest impact on the pitch. Fans who correctly predict the Man of the Match stand a chance to win R10 000.
Carling Black Label Brand Director Kerryn Greanleaf said the initiative reflects the brand’s belief that supporters should have an active voice in football.
“Carling Black Label has always been a brand that believes the Champion Fan should have a voice in the game,” said Greanleaf.
She said the brand had continued to explore ways to bring supporters closer to the sport since becoming the tournament’s sponsor.
“This year, we are taking that idea further by putting fans in the coach’s seat and giving them a Champion Coach experience. The Champion Coach experience allows them to think, speak and act like coaches, test their football knowledge and ultimately be rewarded for it.”
Greanleaf added that the initiative recognises the passion and tactical opinions supporters bring to the game, from debating starting line-ups and formations to identifying players who could change the outcome of a match. “Every fixture creates another opportunity for our Champion Fans to make their voice count. This is their game, their call,” she said.
Campaign extends beyond football
Beyond the football field, Carling Black Label is continuing its commitment to promoting positive masculinity and addressing gender-based violence through its #NoExcuse platform, which has engaged South African men on the issue since 2017.
The platform’s initiatives include The Real Injury Time, which challenges harmful behaviours and perceptions of masculinity, and Champions for Change, which encourages men to take positive action.
The #NoExcuse BRAVE WhatsApp Line also offers confidential support and guidance. Those seeking assistance can WhatsApp BRAVE to 0800 150 150.
The brand says the fourth edition of the Carling Knockout Cup is about more than the competition itself, focusing on fan participation, recognition and opportunities to bring supporters closer to the sport.
Fans can follow Carling Black Label’s official social media platforms and campaign channels for further details on participation, upcoming fixtures and Champion of the Match voting.
Supporters can also visit www.carlingblacklabelcup.co.za or dial *120*660#. USSD charges are 20 cents per 20 seconds. Terms and conditions apply.
Follow Carling Black Label on X at @blacklabelsa, Facebook at Carling Black Label and Instagram at @carlingblacklabel.
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