Gateway Television (GTV) and Supersport have become rivals for sports viewership in Africa and have signed sponsorship deals worth millions. GTV was awarded a broadcast licence in Namibia at the beginning of October and launched its service on Friday 12 October. GTV Namibia aims to carry around 80 percent of all football matches, including up to eight live matches per week.
GTV, a relatively new player in Africa, has signed a five year, $3.5 million (approx R24 million) deal with the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF). At the same time their more established rivals Supersport, has negotiated a $2.7 million (approx R18.5 million) sponsorship with the Football Association of Zambia (Faz).
While rights to the English premiership is a big broadcasting bonanza, televising local leagues has become an importantviewer drawcard.
Both the deals signed this week involve the showing of local matches on TV stations available across the continent.
The BBC’s Emmanuel Muga, in Dar es Salaam, says the money from GTV will allow the TFF to buy equipment, pay transport and increase prize money.
They are also hopeful of attracting more sponsorship on the back of the deal, to go with the $3.6 cash injection promised by mobile phone operator Vodacom earlier this year.
“This is a new era for our football; we believe we will attain the same level of growth as other countries where leagues are televised,” TFF President Leodegar Tenga said.
The Supersport sponsorship deal with Faz will run for four years, and each club in the Zambian Super Division will get $25,000 in addition to what Faz will get annually.
The BBC’s Kennedy Gondwe in Lusaka says Zambian league matches will be televised by Supersport as part of the deal.
Source: BBC
