Champion response to Carling Cup campaign

This brings the total number of votes so far in 2012 to 5.7-million, an increase of 42 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Carling Black Label Cup is now in its second year and allows football supporters to pick the starting line-ups for a showcase Derby encounter of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Soccer City on July 28.

The fans take charge of their beloved clubs for the game, voting for substitutions and showing their tactical acumen from the stands or their own homes.

Over 10.5-million votes were cast in 2011, making the inaugural year of the Carling Black Label Cup a massive success.

But the hope is now to beat that benchmark and early indications are that South Africans have once again had their passion to 'Be the Champion Coach' reignited.

In order to enter this year, adult fans need to purchase a specially marked bottle of Carling Black Label beer and look for the unique 11-digit code on the underside of the bottle top.

By dialing 120764* and entering their unique code and the # sign (with no spaces in between), they can then choose the team they would like to manage, and the players they would like to see in the starting line-up. The voting is free of charge to the public.

Those supporters who cast their votes can win great prizes, including a share of R3-million worth of airtime, match tickets to the showpiece event on July 28 and, best of all, a coach's experience with either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs on match day.

Two lucky fans will get to experience their team in training, sit in the pre-match briefing and be part of the team during the match. This is a once in a lifetime experience to be won by one adult consumer from each team's support base.

All supporters who cast their vote for the players they would like to see compete in the 2012 Carling Black Label Cup will be automatically entered into this competition. Every USSD entry is counted and audited by one of South Africa's largest and independent accounting firms, Grant Thornton. This will guarantee that every vote is counted.

The Carling Black Label Cup will be keeping fans up-to-date with the voting throughout the campaign, but supporters can also view their team, make player selections and have their say by visiting www.carlingblacklabel.co.za.