The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and SuperSport have recently announced a significant change in their long-standing partnership. The South African-based sports broadcaster will not be seeking the renewal of the broadcast rights agreement for the Zambia Super League matches, beyond May 2025.
SuperSport and FAZ have enjoyed a fruitful relationship that has spanned over 18 years. Since their first agreement in 2007, which was signed ahead of the 2008 season, SuperSport has been broadcasting live games from Zambia's premier club football league on its platforms.
This partnership has seen Zambian domestic football grow significantly over time. It is worth noting that this growth was not only due to exposure but also because of considerable investments made by SuperSport into the league and local football community.
Impact on Zambian football
SuperSport's involvement with Zambian football extended beyond just broadcasting games. They played an instrumental role in upskilling local talent and growing the capacity of Zambia’s live sports broadcast industry. This ensured production teams consisted predominantly of Zambian citizens, thereby fostering local talent development.
SuperSport CEO, Rendani Ramovha, said:
“This partnership with the Football Association of Zambia is one we are very proud of. SuperSport has invested considerably in the upliftment of Zambian and African football as a whole. We remain Africa’s biggest broadcaster and we are proud of the contribution we have made to Zambian football and the growth of live sports broadcasting as an industry in the country. Looking back from where we started in 2007, and with the skills we have imparted to the local economy, sportspeople and the community, we believe we are leaving the league in a better place.
“SuperSport would like to thank the FAZ President Andrew Kamanga, General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, the FAZ Executive Committee, the Clubs and all officials and staff who have been central in driving our partnership.”
During this period, both Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster and Zambian football enjoyed considerable success – with notable achievements such as winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 underlining this successful era.
Exposure through DStv And GOtv platforms
The partnership between FAZ and Supersport provided a platform for showcasing local talent to a broader audience through DStv and GOtv platforms. This exposure gave talented players an opportunity to be scouted by international clubs - further enhancing their careers while simultaneously elevating Zambian club football's profile on a global scale.
While it may seem like an end to an era with Supersport not renewing the broadcast rights for the Zambia Super League, it is also an opportunity for a new chapter in Zambian football. The impact of this partnership will continue to be felt, and its legacy will undoubtedly influence future developments in both the sport and broadcasting industry in Zambia.
