The Carling Knockout Cup is headed for an exciting semi-final showdown between four teams that have a rich history in a tournament that amplifies the voices of Champion Fans.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates will travel to the Cape to take on Stellenbosch FC, the inaugural winners of the Carling Knockout Cup, who clinched the title in 2023.

The 2024 finalists, Mamelodi Sundowns, will square off against Kaizer Chiefs in the other semi-final. The storied rivalry between these two South African giants has been shaped by their titanic clashes in this competition.

They will resume that rivalry when they fight for a place in the final of the 2026 edition.

“This year's semi-finals are going to be the most exciting in the history of the Carling Knockout Cup thus far,” said Kerryn Greenleaf, Carling Black Label's Brand Director.

"There is so much to look forward to, as these semi-finals and the final will bring more opportunities for Champion Fans' voices to be heard."

Champion Fans have embraced the Carling Knockout Cup. More than a quarter of a million votes have already been cast by Champion fans to select the Champion Player of the Match.

There have been more than two million predictions submitted by fans as they predict the starting line-ups, all in pursuit of the Champion Coach Experience, where two lucky Champion Fans will get to experience the final up close with their favourite teams.

“Our Champion Fans have had their voices heard through the Champion Player of the Match award,” said Greenleaf.

"We have had record-high voting from our Champion Fans in the fixtures played thus far.

"We have already given away R1.2 million in prize money to the Champion Player of the Match, who is selected solely by the fans' votes. This shows that with Carling Black Label, your voice is heard and turned into action."

The quarter finals of this year's Carling Knockout Cup broke the record for the highest number of votes cast for the Champion Player of the Match award. The previous record stood at just over 34 000 votes, which were cast in the final between the Buccaneers and Marumo Gallants.

Pirates' 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United attracted 38 449 votes for the Champion Player of the Match award, which went to Mpho Padime. Chiefs' clash with Siwelele FC also surpassed last season's record, with 35 319 votes cast for the Champion Player of the Match award, which went to Mfundo Vilakazi.

These record-breaking numbers show how the Carling Knockout Cup, powered by the Premier Soccer League in partnership with Africa’s Champion Beer, Carling Black Label has captured the imagination of Champion Fans, who fuel the beautiful game.

Carling Black Label will reward that passion through the Champion Coach Experience, where two lucky Champion Fans will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the final up close

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Each of the two Champion Fans will be involved in the build-up to the final alongside their favourite teams. They will attend the pre-match press conference as well as the captains' run on the eve of the final.

On match day, they will get to watch the Carling Knockout final from the VIP suite. To stand a chance of becoming one of these Champion Fans, supporters must continue submitting their starting line-up predictions during the semi-finals.

“We've had an incredible reaction to the predictions,” said Greenleaf. “We have had more than two million predictions cast to date.

"Excitingly, during the quarter-finals, we were able to reward three lucky fans by giving them the opportunity to hand over the Champion Player of the Match award and meet their team.

"That was a special moment in the campaign. It was wonderful to see fans who have such passion and normally watch the game from their couches getting the opportunity to get closer to the pitch and the players they look up to."

Champion Fans can follow the official Carling Black Label social media platforms and campaign channels for further information on how to participate in the Champion Coach Experience, upcoming fixtures and CKO Champion of the Match voting.