Soccer Laduma has acquired the latest voting numbers for the Carling Black Label Cup on July 26.
Fans from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are making their votes in the millions, and it appears that both teams' starting-11s are nearing completion.
However, there are some major omissions and inclusions so far in the popular vote. Kaizer Chiefs' Player of the Season for 2013/14, Willard Katsande, has once again dropped to the bench. This was after George Maluleka moved close to 5000 votes ahead of him in the selection.
Generally, Chiefs' line-up remains consistent with the majority of the first-11 from last season making the final cut up to now. Bernard Parker won't be available for the CBL Cup because of injury, which means Katlego Mphela is pencilled in to start.
Knowledge Musona is the leading Chiefs striker in the votes, however his deal has expired with Chiefs, meaning he will be ineligible to play come late July. Nonetheless, the Glamour Boys management are exploring the possibility of extending his deal which could mean he may yet feature.
If Musona doesn't return, Kingston Nkhatha will lead the line with 'Killer'.
Pirates also have a self-explanatory selection based on last season's first-11. The one exception up to now is veteran skipper, Lucky Lekgwathi, who has been benched in favour of Siyabonga Sangweni. Yet, it's also unclear whether 'Nsimbi' will sign a new contract to remain at Bucs - his current deal expires at the end of June.
Upfront for the Ghost Ship, Lehlohonolo Majoro has surged ahead as the club's most popular striking pick with close to 300 000 votes to his name. It seems a virtual certainty he will start alongside the equally popular Kermit Erasmus. On paper it looks as if the Bucs faithful want 'Major' to be given plenty of opportunity to shine in 2014/15.
Make sure to get your copy of edition 876 of Soccer Laduma to find out the full first-11s for both Chiefs and Pirates so far. The paper is in stores and on sale today, Wednesday (18 June).
