New Carling Cup takes Mere back in time

The new Carling Cup is taking shape following the opening of the voting lines, with the usual suspects Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates having taken an early lead.

Previously, the competition was contested by only the two Soweto giants Chiefs and Pirates for the past 11 years as a pre-season tournament but now as a transitional period to the new 16-team Carling Knockout Cup next year, it will be a four-team tournament this year.

The face-lifted event will see a four-team tournament organised in a similar fashion to the old one-day Charity Cup spectacular event, with Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu currently in the additional two spots.

Chiefs lead with 87 553 votes, followed by Pirates with 58 945 votes, while Sundowns are in third spot with 27 553 votes and AmaZulu making the cut with 4 992 votes.

Currently in his 21st season in the PSL and now with TS Galaxy, veteran defender Vuyo Mere (38), who previously played in the old Charity Cup with Sundowns and Platinum Stars, says by opening this tournament to all 16 clubs, the organizers have done a great job.

"[The Charity Cup] was one of my favourite tournaments, I must say. I used to look forward to playing in the four-team tournament where you're going to spend a whole day with supporters and having fun, filled with activities, so it brings back great memories for me," Mere told SABC Sport.

"I would wish for any youngster to be part of the event but our future is being decided by the supporters, so we're urging the TS Galaxy supporters to vote in numbers so they can give our players an opportunity to be part of history.

"We want to be part of the tournament on the day, so that we can showcase our talents, especially the younger ones - I believe there's a lot of talent at TS Galaxy, and I think the country needs to see that.

"Only the supporters can help us to give the youngsters a chance, so they can come in front of 90 000 supporters and showcase their talents. The whole Mpumalanga province have been coming in numbers to our home games, so it's for them now to buy that Carling Black Label and just vote for us to be part of the festivities."

By Velile Mnyandu