Times Of Swaziland: SOCCER OFF-SCREEN

SOCCER OFF-SCREEN
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BY PHOLSILE HLOPHE on 07/04/2021 07:47:00


MBABANE - Football lovers will not be able to watch their favourite game on
television for the time being.
Eswatini Television and Channel yeMaswati crew had a rude welcome on Monday
afternoon when they were ordered not to broadcast live feed of the ongoing MTN
Premier League games. This transpired at the Mavuso Sports Ground, where the
local electronic media crew came armed with their equipment ready to record the
double header games first pitting Young Buffaloes and Manzini Wanderers and
later on Denver Sundowns and Moneni Pirates.
Order
According to reliable sources, the crew allegedly received an order from
representatives of the sponsoring company, MTN Eswatini, and further got a
verbal notification from the authorities of the Premier League of Eswatini
(PLE). Noteworthy is that the equipment was left stranded on their tripods while
the only roving camera at the venue was that of the sponsor. “We were told not
to broadcast the MTN League games anymore unless we acquire media rights from
MTN,” alleged one of the cameramen, who preferred anonymity. National radio
station, Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) have also not
broadcast any of the live games since football resumed as they are also
reportedly awaiting the green light from football authorities.
Eswatini TV’s Corporate Affairs Manager Mncedisi Mayisela said nothing formal
had been communicated to him but assured the nation of a positive way forward
following a proposed meeting with the PLE scheduled for today at 10am. “I only
got a call that we were not allowed to shoot but we have a confirmed meeting
with the PLE tomorrow (today). PLE has taken a different direction with the
live-streaming and it’s all new to us but we trust that all will be okay after
the meeting because it’s something we need to sit down and discuss,” said
Mayisela.
Prominent
Meanwhile, prominent Director of Channel yeMaswati, formerly known as Channel s,
Qhawe Mamba said he was shocked to learn that they were banned from recording
the live games, either for live broadcast or their own archives. Mamba said he
was still in the dark as they did not get a proper explanation leading to their
ban.