MBABANE – Local football fans are set for a front-row seat to the action after Eswatini TV and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) officially signed a landmark broadcast agreement to air 10 live matches.
The deal, which aims to increase the visibility of MTN Premier League fixtures, was officially sealed at the television station’s offices at Hospital Hill yesterday.
The signing ceremony was attended by the station’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mlamuli Dlamini, PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, and PLE CEO Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati.
Speaking before the agreement was finalised, Mlamuli remarked that it was a historic day for the country as the two entities finally penned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership will see Eswatini TV broadcasting a selection of live matches under the PLE banner during the second stanza of the league season.
“We have been praying for this to see the light of day, as our viewers are eager to see local football being broadcast live,” the station’s CEO said.
Mlamuli thanked the PLE Executive for its transparency throughout the negotiations, noting that although the process had been lengthy, the results were worth the wait. “The long wait was justified; we wanted to ensure that when the deal was unveiled, every stakeholder was satisfied. I am pleased that we took the necessary time to reach a balanced and fair agreement,” he added.
He emphasised that the station’s vision is for Eswatini TV to serve as a platform for emaSwati – creating opportunities for the youth and allowing local talent to be discovered. “We are hopeful that many talented emaSwati will be scouted through this project. This will increase player value and assist scouts in assessing our talent,” he said.
The TV CEO also noted that the platform would allow those beyond the country’s borders to follow local football and identify promising players, adding: “Overall, we are delighted for our viewers, the players, and the club owners for the exposure they will gain.”
Meanwhile, the PLE Chairman, Polycarp, expressed his gratitude to Eswatini TV, noting that television is a vital catalyst for the growth of all sports.
“We are pleased to eventually sign this MoU on such an important day, as we return from the Incwala – a sign that the contract is blessed,” Polycarp said.
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