PSL, Bosso in TV rights row

By Ricky Zililo

HIGHLANDERS are on a collision course with the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League over video filming of their home games, whose highlights are streamed on social networks in violation of the league’s broadcasting deal with SuperSport.

In the second half of the match against Tsholotsho at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, Highlanders’ vice-chairman Modern Ngwenya and treasurer Donald Ndebele blocked PSL marketing manager Rodwell Thabe from stopping the filming of the match with the aid of police.

Highlanders argued that the videos being recorded by freelance journalist Thandazani Zimbwa were for use by their technical team, but the PSL’s concern is that the footage finds its way to YouTube.

“The exclusive broadcasting rights belong to SuperSport and anyone who wants to film the games has to get clearance from them. There’re issues to do with quality and exclusivity, which SuperSport are concerned with,” said PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele.

“We can’t have matches pirated and that’s why you find even the likes of ZTV and Zimpapers TV seeking permission to film games.

“All the clubs are aware that if they make those recordings for technical purposes there is no problem, but as a league we’re safeguarding the interests of our partners SuperSport by being on the lookout for any violations.

“If they’re doing so for technical use, they should have that camera person accredited and that person should not in turn flight or post highlights on any social media platform.”

He said continued violation would lead to the club being hauled before a disciplinary committee. However, Highlanders’ chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede insisted that the recordings were purely for technical purposes.

“Those videos are for use by our coaches for review and planning purposes. As for what is posted on the internet, we’re not aware of that,” said Gumede. The Chronicle