South African pubcaster to telecast local football matches

MUMBAI: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the South African Football Association (SAFA) have reached an agreement wherein the public service broadcaster will carry all the games for the national soccer teams for three years.

The agreement will be presented to the boards of the SABC and SAFA respectively to get their approval. The contract is expected to be signed during the second week of May.

SABC?s acting COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng said, "For the SABC this is a historic milestone for both parties, as previously we negotiated on a game to game basis. Once the contract has been signed, South Africans can be rest assured that for the next three years, they will be able to watch the national soccer teams whenever they play home games.? The pact will strengthen the relationship between the SABC and SAFA as it was perceived to be on shaky ground. Said Motsoeneng, ?The agreement has been structured in a way that all parties, but especially the South African public, wins.?

?This deal is a significant advancement for SAFA?s Commercial programme and will enable us to ensure that we achieve the international success which is our immediate, medium and long term goal,? said Dr SAFA Commercial Committee chair Dr Danny Jordaan.

In relation to away games involving Bafana Bafana, the two parties have agreed to work together, in negotiations with Sport Five.