In a dramatic turn of events, local football fanatics have hailed SuperSport for securing broadcasting to broadcast all 52 matches at the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to start Saturday in Côte d’Ivoire.
Initially, MultiChoice Africa announced on January 3 that it had failed to secure broadcasting rights for the continental showpiece and that the games would be available through their partner broadcast stations on Free to Air channels.
However, on Wednesday, MultiChoice announced that it has reached a commercially viable agreement with rightsholders, 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,” SuperSport Chief Executive Officer Rendani Ramovha said.
NWTV expressed its delight after reaching an agreement with MultiChoice.
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“By securing the rights to Can 2023 under the leadership of Dr Patrice Motsepe, SuperSport and NWTV prove that nothing is more important than the happiness of Africans who wish to follow the exploits of their favourite team during the biggest football competition in Africa,” NWTV Managing Director Nimonka Kolani said.
Meanwhile, some fans have hailed MultiChoice for striking the deal to broadcast all the games.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers supporter Yona ‘Green’ Malunga said they are delighted.
“SuperSport is well known for broadcasting Afcon matches. This would have been a huge setback because we are used to SuperSport’s coverage,” Malunga said.
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On his part, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Supporters Director Stone Mwamadi said fans will easily Afcon action through SuperSport.
“Their coverage is always excellent. They also have analysts who help me with superb analysis,” Mwamadi said.
The Lions of Teranga, Senegal, are the defending champions after they beat Egypt on penalties to win first-ever Nations Cup.
Sadio Mane netted the winning spot-kick as Senegal triumphed 4-2.
