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PSL, SABC blackout ended as five-year-deal is agreed

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Lucky Baloyi of Bloemfontein Celtic and Vincent Pule of Orlando Pirates

PSL action will return to the SABC after a five-year-deal was agreed for the broadcasting rights with the national broadcaster and various stakeholders on Friday.

There has been no Premier Soccer League broadcasted by the South African Broadcasting Corporation after failure to agree a deal before the start of the season.

However, on Friday a deal was struck for both television and radio coverage.

The news was revealed in a statement‚ following negotiations overseen by Sports Minster Nathi Mthethwa this week.

The joint-statement read: ‘The Minister of Sports‚ Arts and Culture‚ Minister Nathi Mthethwa‚ in consultation with the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies‚ the Honourable Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams‚ is pleased to announce that MultiChoice’s SuperSport has concluded an agreement on commercial terms with the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

‘This will allow the SABC to broadcast Premier Soccer League matches on television. The deal was announced following constructive negotiations between the parties facilitated by Minister Mthethwa.

‘he agreement between SuperSport and the SABC is for five years and recognises the need to ensure the sustainability of the PSL.’

Mthethwa thanked the various stakeholders for ensuring the blackout was ended.

‘I would like to thank all the participants – MultiChoice‚ the PSL and the SABC – for their positive approach which ensures that ordinary South Africans are able to access football in our country‚’ Mthethwa was quoted as saying.

‘We recognise the importance of sport and in this instance football in promoting national cohesion and commend all stakeholders involved.’

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza thanked Mthethwa for intervening.

‘We welcome the sports ministers’ intervention and his willingness to facilitate a commercial agreement with the SABC‚’ Khoza was quoted as saying.

‘We are committed to bringing as much access to South African football as is possible to the football-loving public‚ in a manner that ensures the sustainability of the PSL as one of the top 10 football leagues in the world.’