MBABANE DERBY SET TO MISS LIVE TV BROADCAST

MBABANE – Blackout!

The highly-anticipated Mbabane derby will not be broadcast live tomorrow, as the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and Eswatini Television Authority (ESTVA) have reportedly failed to reach an agreement on broadcasting rights. Both organisations confirmed that the match between Mbabane Highlanders and Swallows is classified as a category ‘A’ event and was not included in the games eligible for the pilot broadcast project announced on October 14, 2024. With expectations high for a live television broadcast, fans have been left disappointed. Negotiations reportedly broke down over the financial terms associated with the broadcasting rights.

According to well-informed sources involved in the discussions, a potential deal collapsed due to PLE’s demand for over E25 000 for the broadcasting rights. “Despite engaging in negotiations, both parties failed to come to a consensus on the terms of the broadcast agreement. The PLE believed this match should be considered a category A game, given its popularity and the fierce rivalry between the teams and, therefore, felt that ESTVA should have allocated a higher value for the broadcasting rights,” the source explained.

ESTVA Senior Marketing and Communications Officer, Nomcebo Mbhamali, confirmed the inability to secure the rights. “We have been working hard to broadcast the game live, but unfortunately, it couldn’t happen. There were some technicalities we had to consider, but we were unable to reach an agreement,” Mbhamali stated. She further clarified that the Mbabane derby was not part of the games they had agreed with PLE to broadcast as part of the pilot project. Due to the financial implications of the broadcasting rights, she requested not to elaborate further on the negotiations.

“Based on our assessment, we believe we are ready to broadcast games, especially given the circumstances of our previous live broadcast of Highlanders against Sisonkhe, which faced challenges due to bad weather and distance. If we can overcome such obstacles, we will ensure improved broadcasts for future pilot games provided by PLE,” she added. ESTVA also called upon football stakeholders, especially businesses, to support the initiative by purchasing advertising slots during the broadcasts. She encouraged the corporate sector to seize opportunities for branding the studios during live game analysis.

It is worth noting that the station has successfully broadcast English Premier League (EPL) matches on Saturdays, while Sundays have been reserved for local football games. Broadcasting local football is part of ESTVA’s goal to increase the airing of domestic content. Meanwhile, PLE Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Vilakati confirmed the failure of the negotiations. “The games included in the pilot project have been carefully selected based on specific criteria, and unfortunately, the Mbabane derby does not fall into that category,” he said.

One player interviewed by this publication expressed his disappointment at the game’s absence from television. “It’s a big blow that the game will not be shown live. Live broadcasts provide increased exposure and the opportunity for players to showcase their talents to a wider audience. By not having the game aired, we may lose out on recognition and the chance to advance our careers,” he said.

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