Below we look at the top appearances makers in the Carling Black Label Champions Cup: Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates) – 6 appearancesThe current Pirates captain has appeared in the Carling Cup since its inauguration (2011). He also took the first penalty of the opening game, which Pirates won when the spotkicks ended. He looks to lead his team to another victory against Chiefs this year. George Lebese (Kaizer Chiefs) – 6Amakhosi midfielder Lebese has also made appearances in all of the Cup games in the six years of its existence. He has yet to score in the tournament, but plays a big role in his team going forward. His experience could make a difference on the day. Happy Jele (Orlando Pirates) – 5Jele has proven to be an integral part of the Buccaneers defense and, after 5 run-ins with Chiefs (missing only the 2012 competition), he could get the chance to make his presence known once again. Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs) - 5The Bafana Bafana international shotstopper has had plenty of action since having to face two of the three penalty shootouts in the competitions history. Khune has managed to keep 4 clean sheets in 5 appearances in the Champions Cup. Notable mentionsOther players who have made constant appearances in the competition include Reneilwe Letsholonyane(5), who now plays for SuperSport United, and Rooi Mahamutsa(4), who is at Free State Stars.
Article by: Thaaqib ‘Benni’ DanielsOupa Manyisa, George Lebese, Happy Jele and Itumeleng Khune lead the way in most Carling Black Label Champions Cup appearances
The mouth-watering showpiece match at FNB Stadium, contested by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, made its first appearance in 2011, and apart from the Soweto rivalry being familiar to most, some of the players have been squaring up since the beginning of the Cup, making the rivalry that much more intense.