SABC agrees TV rights deal for national football

A deal has been reached between the South Africa Football Association (Safa) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for the public network to air all the national football team's matches for the next three years. Details of the contract will be made available to the public in May once the boards of both associations formally approve the deal, said the Sapa news agency. "For the SABC this is a historic milestone for both parties, as previously we negotiated on a game to game basis," said Hlaudi Motsoeneng, acting chief operating officer, SABC. "Once the contract has been signed, South Africans can rest assured that for the next three years, they will be able to watch the national soccer teams whenever they play home games," he added. "The agreement has been structured in a way that all parties, but especially the South African public, wins. "This agreement will further strengthen the relationship between the SABC and Safa, as it was perceived to be on shaky ground," he said. Ensuring the South African public could see the matches free to air was key to the deal, said Mandla Mazibuko, acting president of Safa. The two organisations have also reportedly agreed to work together during broadcast negotiations for the South African team's away fixtures with Sports Five.