South African broadcasting giant Digital Service Television (DStv) made a last-minute deal to secure airing rights for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tournament.
Through a statement by MultiChoice, the parent company on January 10, the firm announced that SuperSport will broadcast all 52 AFCON games.
“SuperSport will broadcast all 52 matches of the Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 live after MultiChoice secured the rights to broadcast the continent’s showpiece tournament,” read part of the statement.
The statement came after the company received backlash after it had initially announced that it would not air the games.
In a January 3 statement, Multichoice initially revealed that it failed to secure AFCON’s broadcasting rights.
At the time, the company received condemnation from Africans with many concerned on why they would fail to broadcast a prestigious African tournament.
DStv makes last-minute deal
However, DStv has since revealed that a last-minute deal saw the company reach a commercially viable agreement with rightsholders.
It is worth noting that agreement was made with the New World TV (NWTV), to broadcast the 34th edition of Africa’s premier men’s football competition taking place in Ivory Coast.
“We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of African football live to our viewers,” said SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.
SuperSport further revealed that it will bring coverage of all the games, with matches available on both DStv and GOtv across Africa.
Also Read: DStv Faces Backlash Over Failure to Air AFCON
Nevertheless, the news turned out to be a delight for many African fans just before the tournament kicks off on January 13.
NWTV managing director Nimonka Kolani described the deal as a proof that the two companies put Africans’ interests first.
“SuperSport and NWTV prove that nothing is more important than the happiness of Africans who wish to follow the exploits of their favorite team during the biggest football competition in Africa,” he said.
African fans online reacted to the news, with a section elated that the company will be airing the games.
“Without you, it could have been one of the boring tournaments,” commented Hillary Munyeti.
Thendo Sitole, another user reacted, “We are surely going to have the very best of this AFCON 2023 right on our screens, well done for coming through for the sundry.”
AFCON 2023
The sporting extravaganza commences with the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off on January 13 in Ivory Coast.
Also, the West African nation will be hosting the tournament for the second time and the first since 1984.
Also Read: EPL Stars Set to Shine at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast
AFCON is the biennial African association football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Furthermore, the tournament will see a total number of 24 countries, placed in 6 groups battle for the coveted African title.
According to the fixtures, the inaugural match will see the host country clash with Guinea Bissau in Abidjan.
Knockout rounds are set to commence on January 27, with the grand finale set for February 11 in Abidjan.
