Marumo Gallants coach Malesela questions Carling Knockout Man of the Match criteria - 'We need to do better when we choose'

The Carling Knockout Cup is in its second edition and has generated significant buzz.

The R100,000 prize for the Man of the Match award has been well-received by football fans.

Iqraam Rayners, who won the inaugural edition with Stellenbosch FC, walked away with a massive R400,000.

However, the way the award is determined has raised a few eyebrows and sparked debate within the PSL.

The much-talked-about Man of the Match award – featuring the biggest purse in African football – has returned.

Through a free vote, fans have the power to select the Man of the Match for each game, with the chosen player taking home R100,000.

This system puts decision-making directly in the hands of supporters, the heart and soul of the game.

Carling Black Label has amplified the voices of fans, making sure they are heard across South Africa.

Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela, though, has expressed concerns about the selection process, questioning whether it reflects fair judgment.

“I think he [Edgar Manaka] should have been Man of the Match. I really don’t understand, and I don’t want to sound too negative or do something like that,” said Malesela as reported by FarPost.

"But really, we need to do better when we choose. We really need to do better.”

“The fans? Do you think the fans [voted]? When did they vote? You go and look for where they voted,” he probed when reporters explained how the whole process works.

The Carling Knockout Cup offers a unique twist by giving supporters the power to vote for the Man of the Match through a free platform.

While this fan-driven approach amplifies the voices of supporters, it has also raised questions about fairness.

Malesela expressed his frustrations, suggesting that the process might not reflect the game’s reality.

His remarks highlight the tension between maintaining transparency in football awards and keeping fans engaged.

Gallants now shift their focus back to the league, aiming to climb the table and secure a stronger position.

Malesela emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum, noting that the team’s resilience—despite fatigue from travelling—will play a key role in future matches.

"We need to get things right and get ourselves into a good position," he said.

Gallants will also prepare for the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup, building on their progress with renewed motivation.

For Malesela, balancing league commitments and cup ambitions is essential as he seeks consistent performances from his squad.