The South African Football Association (SAFA) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have renewed their broadcast contracts for the next four years. The announcement, made at the SABC’s headquarters in Auckland Park and broadcast live on SABC Sport, featured SAFA president Danny Jordaan, SABC group CEO Nomsa Chabeli, and the public broadcaster’s head of sport Keletso Totlhanyo.
Chabeli, in her announcement of the renewed partnership, highlighted the extensive coverage it will provide. Not only will it cover senior teams like Bafana Bafana, but it will also include Banyana Banyana matches and the Hollywoodbets Super League. The partnership also aims to showcase grassroots leagues and highlight the development side of football, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the sport.
Toltlhanyo confirmed that the deal will include broadcasting rights for Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana matches, as well as all SAFA events. He also mentioned exciting plans for a weekly magazine show that will cover various aspects of South African football, from player interviews to match analyses. He expressed enthusiasm for streaming matches from the provinces on SABC+, providing a platform for regional football to shine.
Jordaan addressed the game restrictions imposed by FIFA and CAF, emphasizing the importance of partnering with SABC due to its extensive reach. He highlighted the significance of the SABC’s focus on matches below the national level and expressed anticipation for the magazine program to showcase regional football.
Furthermore, the SAFA financial report for 2022-23 revealed millions in shortfall, prompting concerns from auditors. This development demonstrates the financial challenges faced by the association.
The renewed partnership between SAFA and SABC promises to bring an array of football matches and events to South African audiences while also highlighting the sport’s development and grassroots aspects.
