SAFA extends Siyaya TV partnership

The South African Football Association has reached an agreement to extend its rights deal with pay-television broadcaster Siyaya TV.

Siyaya was unveiled last year as the new exclusive rights-holder for South Africa national team games over six years, from 2015 to 2020. According to the SAFA, the deal has now been extended to 10 years, to 2024.

Last month, Siyaya rubbished claims by the SABC that the country’s public-service broadcaster had struck a rights deal for coverage of South Africa’s national football teams for three years, from 2015 to 2017.

SAFA said in a statement announcing its extended deal with Siyaya: “Following the conclusion of the first year, both parties wish to report that the partnership remains solid and is further strengthened by the ongoing collaborations to enhance it regularly for the benefit of both parties and their brands.”

Siyaya chair Vuyo Mahlati added: “As a game changer, the extension affords Siyaya TV the space to advance the offering with digitalised innovation and partnerships that benefit the customer. For us football is always about people, access, quality and affordability.”