SABC Inks African Cup of Nations Deal

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) local organising committee (LOC) and the SABC announced the conclusion of a R65m broadcast deal covering TV and radio for the tournament in South Africa this year.

LOC CEO Mvuso Mbebe said the R65m fee was fair and reasonable under the circumstances and satisfied all parties concerned.

“This is a CAF [Confederation of African Football] tournament, it must be remembered,” said Mbebe.

“All agreements were made in conjunction with Africa’s controlling (soccer) body and this was the reason there were delays at times, as all the parties involved had to be consulted.”

Mbebe said the quality of the service provided by the SABC for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) would be “world class”. Most of the facilities and equipment built for the 2010 World Cup would be used.

“We have proven ourselves time and again as capable to provide a top-class service for an international event of this stature,” SABC acting chief operations officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng said.

The SABC would provide live coverage of all the games during the 23-day event. It would start on Saturday, January 19, with a game between Bafana Bafana and Cape Verde at the 90 000-seater National Stadium in Johannesburg.

The final would be played at the same venue on February 10.