The SABC has confirmed it will broadcast two live CAF matches and explained why there's previously been a TV blackout in games involving the Big Three.
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are part of this season's Champions League, with Orlando Pirates in the Confederation Cup – but football fans are yet to see all three on their screens since the start of the interclub tournament.
With suggestions that the public broadcaster has had the rights to broadcast the matches when Chiefs, Downs and Pirates are hosting, but have opted not to, the SABC clarified its arrangement with the rights holders in a statement to the Siya crew.
"The SABC can confirm that it has an agreement with CAF, via SAFA, to be the host-broadcaster of CAF matches in South Africa. However, this agreement only applies to the home games of the South African teams and not away games," explained SABC spokesperson, Mmoni Seapolelo.
"In this regard, matches will be broadcast live on our SABC Sport channel – available to stream on TelkomONE or via the SABC DTT channel. It must be noted that there are no costs associated with these broadcast rights. One of the key reasons for the games not being aired on TV relates to their weekday 6pm kick off time, which clashes with the SABC 1 drama and soapie slot between 18:00-22:00, which generates substantial sponsorship and advertising revenues for the SABC."
Downs will host CR Belouizdad in their final group game on Friday, and that match will be the first to be shown live on SABC.
Pirates' home game against ES Setif next week will also be aired on TV.
"The SABC continues to engage CAF and the respective clubs to consider an alternative kick-off time, and while they had initially refused to consider changing this for the previous matches, have now decided to change the kick-off times for the remaining weekday matches," Seapolelo added.
"As such, we are pleased to announce that the Friday match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Algerian team CR Belouizdad, and the Wednesday 21 April 2021 game featuring Orlando Pirates vs another Algerian side, ES Setif, will both kick off at 3pm and will both be carried live on SABC 1"
Downs have already qualified for the Champions League quarterfinals, so their supporters will be hoping to see that match live next month, though the draw and official fixture dates have not yet been released.
Chiefs are also on the verge of reaching that same phase – they need a score draw or win away to Horoya in Guinea on Saturday to qualify.
Pirates still have three more matches to play before their fate can be decided.
