Carling Black Label has officially launched the 2026 Carling Knockout Cup, introducing a new Champion Coach Experience that will give football supporters an opportunity to test their knowledge of the game and compete for exciting prizes.
The fourth edition of the tournament was officially launched on 14 October 2026 by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in partnership with Carling Black Label, with the brand continuing its commitment to placing football supporters at the centre of the action.
Since becoming the tournament’s sponsor in 2023, Carling Black Label has used the competition to create opportunities for fans to participate more actively in football, share their opinions and be rewarded for their knowledge of the sport.
This year’s Champion Coach Experience takes that initiative further by allowing supporters to predict starting line-ups, compete on a leaderboard and stand a chance to win an exclusive experience at the tournament’s final.
Under the Champion Coach campaign, supporters can use a unique code found on promotional Carling Black Label packs to predict the starting line-ups of both teams ahead of each Carling Knockout fixture.
Fans who make the most accurate predictions will stand a chance to win instant prizes while accumulating points on the Champion Coach leaderboard. The top-performing participants will have an opportunity to move closer to the ultimate Champion Coach Experience at the final.
The campaign will also give supporters a say in recognising outstanding performances on the pitch.
During every Carling Knockout match, fans will be able to vote for the Carling Knockout Cup Champion of the Match, identifying the player they believe made the biggest impact on the game.
One lucky supporter who correctly predicts the Man of the Match will stand a chance to win R10 000.
Carling Black Label Brand Director Kerryn Greenleaf said the initiative reflects the brand’s belief that supporters should have a meaningful voice in football.
“Carling Black Label has always been a brand that believes the Champion Fan should have a voice in the game,” Greenleaf said.
She added that the Champion Coach Experience would bring supporters closer to the sport by allowing them to put their football knowledge to the test and experience the game from a coach’s perspective.
“Football fans have always coached from the sidelines. They know who should start, the formation, who should be dropped and who can change a game. With the Champion Coach Experience, we are giving them an opportunity to put those opinions to the test by predicting the starting line-up for every game,” she said.
“Every fixture creates another opportunity for our Champion Fans to make their voice count. This is their game, their call.”
Beyond football, Carling Black Label will continue its work promoting positive masculinity and challenging gender-based violence through its #NoExcuse platform, which has been engaging South African men on the issue since 2017.
Through initiatives such as The Real Injury Time, the platform seeks to challenge harmful behaviours and perceptions of masculinity, while Champions for Change encourages men to take positive action in their communities.
The #NoExcuse BRAVE WhatsApp Line also provides access to confidential support and guidance. Men seeking assistance can send the word “Brave” to 0800 150 150 on WhatsApp.
The 2026 Carling Knockout Cup aims to offer more than just competitive football, with the tournament providing supporters with opportunities to participate, influence selected aspects of the fan experience and be recognised for their football knowledge.
Fans can follow Carling Black Label’s official social media platforms and campaign channels for further information on how to enter the Champion Coach Experience, upcoming fixtures and Champion of the Match voting.
