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Former football star Boniface Ambani believes Kenyan football authorities missed a chance to renegotiate broadcast deals for wider reach and accessibility.
Former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards striker Boniface Ambani has voiced his opinion on the country's football authorities' choice of broadcast partners.
Ambani believes that they should have explored the possibility of bringing back South African broadcasters SuperSport, who left the Kenyan football scene six years ago.
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18:32 - 31.08.2023
FKPL FKF reveals number of matches that Azam TV will televise per season
The Tanzanian broadcaster partners with FKF to televise Premier League matches starting with the 2023/2024 season, boosting league visibility and competitiveness.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) recently inked a groundbreaking seven-year broadcast rights deal for the FKF Premier League, valued at an impressive $9.1 million (Ksh1.3 billion).
The deal saw Tanzania-based pay TV station securing exclusive broadcast rights for an initial fee of $1 million (Ksh145 million) for this year, with the promise of annual increments of $100,000 (Ksh14.5 million) in each new season.
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11:00 - 31.08.2023
FKFPL: Azam TV cough up Sh148m-a-year for FKF Premier League
The East African broadcast satellite company will cover FKFPL matches over the next seven years.
However, amidst the anticipation, details regarding how much the clubs will benefit from this deal remain elusive, and fans are eagerly awaiting the league's return to television screens.
Ambani expressed his views on the matter, highlighting the need for broader viewership and accessibility.
"Well, they have brought in a new broadcaster, and it is good for the growth of football, but how many households have that decoder?,” he said in an interview with Pulse Sports.
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15:40 - 20.09.2023
FOOTBALL: FUFA excom member gives four reasons East Africa will win 2027 AFCON bid
Byamukama has given four compelling reasons East Africa will win the 2027 AFCON bid when the CAF executive committee meet to decide the fate of the bid on 27 September.
Ambani raised a valid concern about the accessibility of the new broadcasting platform to the general public.
"I heard they are also negotiating with the national broadcaster, KBC, for some free-to-air matches, and I hope they will update the nation soon," he added, acknowledging the importance of ensuring that football remains accessible to all.
Ambani suggested an alternative approach, "What they could have done is try to approach SuperSport again to renegotiate the deal with the service provider. SuperSport has a wider reach across the continent, and even the GOtv service is available deep in Kenyan villages for wider coverage."
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11:38 - 20.09.2023
FOOTBALL Boost for AFC Leopards as midfielder returns three months early from injury
The AFC Leopards midfielder stages a triumphant return from injury, igniting hopes for the team's success with his indomitable spirit.
SuperSport, a company with a strong continental presence, played a pivotal role in the development of Kenyan sports beyond just football.
Their reach extended to athletics, rugby, and basketball, making their return a significant boost for Kenyan sports as a whole.
During their previous tenure, teams facing financial hardships received much-needed support through monthly grants.
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20:00 - 19.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards hit hard as government announce major stadium renovations
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba has handed over major stadiums for AFCON 2027 preparations, impacting Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards' home matches.
Additionally, SuperSport's extensive coverage allowed talented Kenyan players to be scouted by clubs from various leagues worldwide, expanding opportunities for local talent on the international stage.
SuperSport's departure in 2017 had left a void in Kenyan football broadcasting, and subsequent partnerships failed to replicate their impact.
In 2022 Chinese company StarTimes held the broadcasting rights, but their exit was swift after the FKF was disbanded by former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.
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