“It is a dream come true,” responds a joyful Sidney Molepo. “Yesterday I was a supporter today I am a coach.”

Molepo emerged as the Champion Coach selected from the consumers that took part in the Carling Black Label campaign where the public took part in the process to become the coaches leading to and on match day between the arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Sidney Molepo, a resident of Daveyton, in Etwatwa has been a supporter of Chiefs since 1996 when he was in Grade 8. “I loved the brand of football that Chiefs played,” motivates Molepo. “Former Chiefs goalkeeper Botende Eshele influenced my decision because as a youngster I liked to play as a goalie.”

Eshele Botende was Congolese and played for Kaizer Chiefs between 1994 and 1996.

“I also loved the kit colours of Chiefs,” complements Molepo. “The management also is highly regarded in the whole country,” continues Molepo. “Chiefs is professionally managed, my mother and uncles also supported Chiefs.”

Molepo has become an overnight celebrity in his circles. “I am receiving nonstop congratulatory messages from friends and family,” confirms Molepo. “Some fans are recommending tactical applications for the match.”

“I saw in the media, studied the requirements, started voting and I answered weekly questions on SABC’s Soccerzone,” refers Molepo to the process leading to his selection.

“When I received the message to attend the final selection in Midrand, I felt something is going to happen here,” says a visibly overjoyed Molepo. “There was one finalist from last year who made it a challenge for me but, I just told myself I am going to enjoy the day.”

Molepo will meet the team on Friday as part of the prematch activities and will enjoy the experience of spending time with the team leading to the match where he will be side by side with the Head Coach Steve Komphela. Molepo will be in charge of the proceedings in the first half of the match and then exchange ideas with Komphela in the second half.

“I am looking forward to meet the team and give them the message from the supporters,” concludes Molepo. “The FNB stadium will see a record number of supporters and I will also break the record to win the match by four goals.”

The match is scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium, kick-off is at 15:30. Tickets are sold out. Gates open at 12:00.