Btv extends blackout to Zebras' matches?

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Tuesday June 4, 2013 00:00

 

Sources close to developments say Btv, irked by treatment it received during the Mascom Top 8, intends to continue with a blackout, which began nearly a fortnight ago. Btv had travelled to Lobatse to cover the Mascom Top 8 final, but the state broadcaster had to return to Gaborone without televising the match. Btv was told that South African channel, Supersport was the right holder, which saw production crew from the Mass Media Complex locked out of the Lobatse Stadium.All local football activities immediately received a blackout on Btv, believed to be a sign of discontent.

Btv reportedly feels the local football authorities conveniently used them, only to throw the state broadcaster out of the window when the Supersport deal was sealed.Now the ban looks set to extend to national team matches, which will leave fans who won't travel to the stadium, in a lurch. Btv has alleged that it will cover the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) awards, instead of the World Cup qualifier between the Zebras and Ethiopia.However, Btv general manager, Bontle Mogotlhwane could not comment, saying she was in a meeting, while head of sports, Edison Malebane's mobile number was unavailable.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tebego Sebego said that they have communicated with Btv regarding the game.'We have informed them about the upcoming Zebras game,' Sebego said.France based sports broadcast company, Sports 5 are the right holders and allow national broadcasters to air the games. Btv then offers Sports 5 feed.The Zebras face Ethiopia and Central African Republic (CAR) in back-to-back matches over the next two weekends.