The PSL has announced that champions of the inaugural Carling Knockout Cup will walk away with a cool R6.6 million.
The tournament launch on Tuesday in Johannesburg was met with much anticipation. However, the failure to announce the prize money left some observers underwhelmed.
According to PSL, the CKC, which has replaced the Telkom Knockout, will have a total prize pool of R20.2 million.
In addition, the league’s announcement that all 16 teams in the Carling Knockout Cup will receive a participation fee of R250,000 has been welcomed by clubs, particularly those operating on tight budgets.
The Carling Knockout Cup will begin on October 18 with two exciting matches. TS Galaxy host Mamelodi Sundowns at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday. Orlando Pirates host Cape Town Spurs at Orlando Stadium two days ago.
FULL CARLING CUP KO LAST 16 FIXTURES
Wednesday, October 18: TS Galaxy v Sundowns (19:30, Mbombela Stadium)Â
Friday, October 20: Pirates v CT Spurs (19:30, Orlando Stadium)Â
Saturday, October 21:
Arrows v CT City (3pm, Mpumalanga Stadium);
Chippa v Stellenbosch (15:00, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium);
Chiefs v AmaZulu (18:00 FNB Stadium); and
Sekhukhune v Royal AM (20:15 New Peter Mokaba) Â
Sunday, October 22:
Richards Bay v Swallows (15:00, King Zwelithini Stadium); and
SuperSport v Polokwane City (18:00 TUT Stadium).
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“The winners of the Carling Knockout tournament will face a Carling All-Star team selected by the fans in the new format of the Carling Black Label Cup, a spectacle that will bring both players and champion fans of all the clubs together,” the PSL said in a statement.
“Six of the players in the Carling All-Star team starting line-up will be from the Premiership clubs, and five will be called up from the Diski Challenge sides.
“The Carling All-Star team will be coached by one of the 15 PSL coaches, which will also be voted for by the champion fans. Fantasy soccer becomes a reality with the Carling Cup.”