The SABC promises to deliver the “the passion, flair and difference that the game of soccer represents to billions of fans” as the official broadcast rights holder for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, which will take place from 12 June until 13 July in Brazil.
“As the public service broadcaster we are privileged to be in a position where we will transport the South African public to the host country Brazil, as they take front row seats in the comfort of their homes and in their respective languages,” said acting group executive of SABC Sports, Bessie Tugwana. “The best commentary will be brought by talented presenters and analysts as the SABC, brings you ‘The Beautiful Game, The Way You Like It.’”
The SABC said it would bring its full might to bear for the duration of the World Cup, utilising its 19 radio stations and three free-to-air television channels to “bring the beautiful game of soccer to the entire South African population in the language of their choice”. All 64 games will be transmitted live and in all the 11 official languages. It would showcase a “melting pot of programmes that will celebrate and showcase the connection between the host country and our own, horning in on the passion, flair and difference that the game of soccer represents to billions of fans”.
Television channel SABC 1 is the main carrier of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil in Brazil and will broadcast 56 matches live and will also broadcast build up programmes to world cup matches and hour and a half before the games.
SABC 2 will offer an alternative viewing experience of the World Cup, while SABC 3 will carry eight matches only.
The SABC said the programmes will be “ably anchored by our team of local and continental on-air personalities” and will deliver an integrated programming mix across all SABC platforms. Highlights packages will keep viewers abreast of all the soccer action as well as lifestyle programmes for entertainment.
“The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil schedule will evidently impact our normal programming, however in an effort to make these alterations as smooth as possible and a transversal strategy to support SABC1 as the home of soccer has been put in place,” the broadcaster said in a statement
“As one of Africa’s best broadcasters, we are ready and fully equipped to deliver a world-class production for this international event,” said acting chief operations officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. “With the footprint that the SABC has, we are confident that we will reach millions of South Africans, who enjoy the game of soccer, as well as households on the continent, which receive SABC channels. We have shown our ability to deliver the best productions with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Madiba’s funeral and the 2014 national elections.”
