Carling Knockout 2025: Riveiro shares winning tips ahead Marumo vs Pirates final

A coach synonymous with success, Jose Riveiro, has offered valuable advice to the Champion Coach hopefuls ahead of the highly anticipated Carling Black Label Cup 2025.

The Spaniard, regarded as one of the most successful coaches in South African football history, returned to Mzansi to mentor the Champion Coaches competing for the chance to lead the Carling All-Star team on 13 December 2025 at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium. The All-Star side will face the Carling Knockout Champions in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Riveiro’s Winning Legacy

Riveiro knows what it takes to win. He guided the Carling All-Star team to back-to-back victories in the Carling Cup, defeating Stellenbosch FC in 2023 and Magesi FC in 2024. Reflecting on his involvement, he described it as “one of the most memorable moments” of his career.

Fan Empowerment at the Heart of Carling Cup

The 2025 Carling Black Label Cup revives its iconic tradition: giving one lucky Champion Fan the opportunity to coach an All-Star team featuring the best talent from the Premier Soccer League (PSL). This unique initiative, introduced in 2011, continues to capture the imagination of Mzansi football fans.

“Whoever becomes the Champion Coach earned that spot through a rigorous selection process,” said Riveiro. “They must believe in themselves, stay authentic, and remember the stage belongs to the players.”

Champion Coach Selection Process

The search for the 2025 Champion Coach is heating up. From millions of entries, 15 fans were shortlisted on 13 November. This group will be trimmed to 10 finalists who will attend the Champion Coach Selection Weekend, featuring tactical workshops and mentorship sessions.

According to Kerryn Greenleaf, Carling Black Label’s Brand Director:

“With over 6 million votes, Mzansi has shown the unstoppable power of our Champion Fans. This is true fan empowerment!”

Documentary: Champions Call

Carling Black Label celebrates this journey through Champions Call, a two-part documentary airing on SABC 1:

Episode 1: Saturday, 22 November at 19:30
Episode 2: Saturday, 29 November

The series tells the story of how fans changed South African football forever.

Carling All-Star XI Taking Shape

Voting for the Carling All-Star starting XI is underway:

Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs) leads with 120,000+ votes.
Jabulani Mokone (Orlando Pirates) follows with 32,000+ votes.

Current Premier Division picks include:

Petersen and Mfundo Vilakazi (Kaizer Chiefs)
Tshepang Moremi and Sihle Nduli (Orlando Pirates)
Marcello Allende (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Sikhosonke Langa (Sekhukhune United)

Diski selections feature Naledi Hlongwane, Thulani Mabaso, Vincent Sithole, Mokone, and Tshepo Mhlambi.

Carling Knockout Final

The Carling Knockout champions will be decided on 6 December at New Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Orlando Pirates face Marumo Gallants. If Pirates win, their All-Star players will be replaced by the next most-voted candidates.