PORT ELIZABETH – Ahead of the 2-1 win over Mali on Sunday afternoon, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have announced a new broadcasting deal.
The Nelson Mandela Challenge match gave the new coach Molefi Ntseki an opportunity to lead the team for the first time and his start was a bright one.
Goals from Dean Furman and Themba Zwane downed the Eagles of Mali at Nelson Mandela Stadium thus giving the former South African U17 manager a win on his debut as Bafana Bafana boss.
Moreover, the country’s football governing body and the state broadcaster announced that they have reached a four (4) year agreement on the broadcast rights of SAFA matches and events.
“The agreement will annually cover: 6 Bafana Bafana matches (3 home AFCON qualifiers; 2 international friendlies and the Nelson Mandela Challenge); 5 Banyana Banyana home friendly matches, inclusive of the Winnie Mandela Challenge,” reads a statement from SAFA.
“Domestic competitions including the U/19 Women’s National Championship Final, Burger King U/20 National Championships Final, U/23 Men’s National Championships FINALS, ABC Motsepe National Play Offs Final, KAY Motsepe Schools Final, Futsal and Beach Football National Championships FINALS as well as the SASOL Women’s League Finals and various SAFA National Women’s League matches;
“A weekly SAFA magazine show; and the SAFA Annual Awards.
A good crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to watch @BafanaBafana vs Mali in the 2019 Nelson Mandela Challenge #NelsonMandelaChallenge @Banyana_Banyana @BafanaBafana @COSAFAMEDIA #RSA @SAFA_net pic.twitter.com/2qymbE0cGM
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 13, 2019
“The SABC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Madoda Mxakwe stated that “in negotiating this deal with SAFA, the SABC needed to find a balance between fulfilling its public mandate and entering into an agreement which was commercially viable. We understand the role we play in promoting sports of national interest and inspiring the next generation of sports stars.â€�
Meanwhile, SAFA President, Dr. Danny Jordaan said the agreement was a welcome development, considering the SABC’s public reach and influence.
“As SAFA, we are pleased to have finally come to an agreement with the public broadcaster which is in the public interest and the good of the game,” added Jordaan.
“After protracted negotiations, it is great that the public will once again get to watch Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and other national teams matches on SABC, in addition to various other important football development programmes, that has seen SAFA make a major impact on football on the continent.”
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