Battle lines have been drawn in what is expected to be the most hotly contested match in the four year history of the Carling Black Label Cup. The 2014 edition of the derby between two of the countries fiercest football rivals is expected to reach fever pitch on Saturday, 26th July 2014.

The Carling Black Label Cup has proven to be one of the biggest showdowns on the South African football calendar. Since its inception, the football tournament has not only illustrated the passion the fans have for football, but also set new benchmarks for fan participation, as measured by the number of votes cast for the teams’ starting line ups.

The 2013 campaign surpassed expectations with a total 22.2 Million votes recorded. This compared to 20 million votes in 2012, which had been nearly double the 10.5 million from the previous year. The format that allows football fans to participate in the Carling Black Label Cup by voting in the starting line-up of their favourite team has remained largely the same. One exception is that fans will be encouraged to select a full starting eleven, as opposed to just one player. As was the case in previous years, supporters will also be able to make the substitution changes on match day, by voting in players they think will influence game, as they look to steer their side to victory.

To enter, fans over the age of 18 should purchase a specially branded Carling Black Label beer bottle or can and look for the unique number code on the under liner of the bottle top or can ring pull).

They must then dial *120*764* followed by the unique code found on the under liner and the # key. They then can choose the team they would like to manage, and their starting line-up.

An exciting addition to this year’s voting process is the option of voting online via www.carlingblacklabel.co.za. On the website, fans will be able to vote for their starting line-up, view their current team and have access to exclusive content about the campaign.

Supporters who cast their votes for the one of the team’s starting line-ups stand a chance to win great prizes, including the unique champion coach’s experience the Carling Black Label Cup is known for, with either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates on match day. This once in a life-time opportunity, will afford two lucky adult fans to see their team in training, sit in the pre-match briefing and sit with their favourite team in the dugout.

All supporters who cast their votes for all eleven positions in their team’s starting line-up for the 2014 Carling Black Label Cup will be automatically entered into this competition.

One weekly winner from each team will be will be invited to a final judging event, where they will be given competitive tasks to complete under the watchful eye of judging panel, as they vie for the final spots to join their respective teams on the day as consumer coaches.

Kaizer Chiefs broke the deadlock for the first time last year, having won the PSL league as on their way to winning the Carling Black Label Cup, on their third attempt, beating their archrivals Orlando Pirates 1-0.

The Buccaneers also brought their league title crown to win the first two encounters of this prestigious campaign – both via tough penalty shoot-outs after closely-contested clashes. The first match in 2011 ended with 0-0 and the Buccaneers emerged supreme with a 4-3 win on penalties. In 2012 the encounter was similarly close for both teams as the match ended in 1-1; Bucs clinched a 5-4 win in a stadium filled to capacity - an all-time attendance record for a soccer event. This year, neither teams are league title holders; with their pride and the 2014 Carling Black Label Cup trophy at stake, the rivalry among both fans and teams is expected to be intense.

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