Orlando Pirates are targeting their fifth Carling Black Label Cup when they meet Kaizer Chiefs in the 2017 edition of the competition, set for the FNB Stadium on 29 July.

The launch of the seventh edition of the competition between Amakhosi and the Buccaneers was held at Johannesburg’s Park Station on Tuesday.

The sporting public will be able to engage with the campaign for free on the USSD platform this year, and fans will not only be able to select their starting line-up, but will now be able to select their preferred tactical formation.

The four options provided to the fans are the following: 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 3-4-3 and 4-3-3.

South African soccer legends Benni McCarthy, Shaun Bartlett and Marks Maponyane spoke at the launch on the various formations.

‘The formation is the structure, the foundation of how you want to have your side play the game,’ Bartlett said.

Meanwhile, Chiefs coach Steve Komphela reiterated that ‘the tactical formation always depends on the players you have. And you have to work on the implementation of it as well.’

Ramahlwe Mphahlele expressed his delight about the plan to give more power to the fans to not only chose the starting line-up, but also the tactical formation.

‘Supporters are the bosses, if they want to play with four wingers, they can now decide to do this,’ Mphahlele said.

During the seven years of the competition’s existence, Amakhosi have won the cup twice, while Orlando Pirates have won it four times, with Amakhosi the previous winners of the trophy in the 2016 edition.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are set to go head-to-head in the Carling Champion Cup held at the FNB Stadium on 29 July.

Kick-off has been scheduled for 15:30.

Image: Kaizer Chiefs website