SA football gets attention
Nov. 14th, 2007 11:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
nairiporterSoweto rivals debut in Europe
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Soccer&set_id=1&click_id=19&art_id=vn20071114070605899C568661
It's been dubbed one of the greatest derbies in world football and now European audiences can judge for themselves next weekend.
The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will for the first time be broadcast throughout Europe, allowing viewers in more than 40 countries to get to grips with a fixture that has always captured the imagination of South Africa.
Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza announced on Tuesday that Eurosport 2 had requested to beam the match live throughout Europe. The tie will take place at Durban's Absa Stadium on Saturday week.
As the match will be played a day before the official Fifa 2010 World Cup draw in Durban, South Africa's preparations for the world showpiece will virtually be on trial.
"This presents us with an opportunity to show the world what we can do, and what to expect when they come here (in 2010)," Khoza said.
Most of the Fifa delegates and the world media attending the draw have also requested accreditation to the match, which Khoza said will be shown to over 22-million households in 43 European countries.
The Pirates owner dismissed suggestions that the derby had lost its sting. "It has never lost its spark - that's why even Eurosport are broadcasting it."
The match's television ratings are consequently expected to reach new highs as it's also beamed throughout Africa, and Khoza was optimistic that they could extend to other parts of the world.
"In future, we could look at Asia and the Americas," he said, obviously aware that the English Premiership has increased its value by tapping into those markets. A billion people worldwide watched the thrilling draw between Manchester United and Arsenal two weeks ago.
Only 40 000 tickets will be sold to the public for next weekend's match and they went on sale at Computicket (R30) on Tuesday. Suite tickets will be available as of Monday.
Meanwhile, Khoza confirmed he had met Owen Da Gama to discuss the threatening calls which the Pirates coach had received recently.
"We had a thorough discussion about this. He got a call from a private number, and the person kept on telling him who to pick," explained Khoza.
"And I said to him 'that's Pirates for you'. Every supporter sees himself as a spiritual owner of the team. I told Owen we'll investigate the matter, but he's got the final word on selection. Nobody should interfere with his job."
Pirates face SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld tonight (7.30pm) hoping to add to embattled coach Gavin Hunt's woes. Hunt's team are in the wrong half of the Absa Premiership having scored just four goals in eight games.
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Soccer&set_id=1&click_id=19&art_id=vn20071114070605899C568661
It's been dubbed one of the greatest derbies in world football and now European audiences can judge for themselves next weekend.
The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will for the first time be broadcast throughout Europe, allowing viewers in more than 40 countries to get to grips with a fixture that has always captured the imagination of South Africa.
Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza announced on Tuesday that Eurosport 2 had requested to beam the match live throughout Europe. The tie will take place at Durban's Absa Stadium on Saturday week.
As the match will be played a day before the official Fifa 2010 World Cup draw in Durban, South Africa's preparations for the world showpiece will virtually be on trial.
"This presents us with an opportunity to show the world what we can do, and what to expect when they come here (in 2010)," Khoza said.
Most of the Fifa delegates and the world media attending the draw have also requested accreditation to the match, which Khoza said will be shown to over 22-million households in 43 European countries.
The Pirates owner dismissed suggestions that the derby had lost its sting. "It has never lost its spark - that's why even Eurosport are broadcasting it."
The match's television ratings are consequently expected to reach new highs as it's also beamed throughout Africa, and Khoza was optimistic that they could extend to other parts of the world.
"In future, we could look at Asia and the Americas," he said, obviously aware that the English Premiership has increased its value by tapping into those markets. A billion people worldwide watched the thrilling draw between Manchester United and Arsenal two weeks ago.
Only 40 000 tickets will be sold to the public for next weekend's match and they went on sale at Computicket (R30) on Tuesday. Suite tickets will be available as of Monday.
Meanwhile, Khoza confirmed he had met Owen Da Gama to discuss the threatening calls which the Pirates coach had received recently.
"We had a thorough discussion about this. He got a call from a private number, and the person kept on telling him who to pick," explained Khoza.
"And I said to him 'that's Pirates for you'. Every supporter sees himself as a spiritual owner of the team. I told Owen we'll investigate the matter, but he's got the final word on selection. Nobody should interfere with his job."
Pirates face SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld tonight (7.30pm) hoping to add to embattled coach Gavin Hunt's woes. Hunt's team are in the wrong half of the Absa Premiership having scored just four goals in eight games.
