The collaboration will see the launch of a fully curated SuperSport Schools channel on the SABC Plus streaming platform starting Saturday, 8 February, complementing the access South Africans already have to schools and youth sports through the SuperSport Schools streaming platform, says the duo.

This partnership marks another milestone in the broadcasting of schools and youth sports in South Africa. The new channel on SABC Plus will feature a selection of content from SuperSport Schools' portfolio, which includes over 60 000 matches in 2024 across a variety of sports disciplines. The channel will focus on a diverse range of schools and youth sports, including football, netball, rugby, athletics, hockey and basketball, adds SuperSport and SABC. 

According to the duo, the aim is to leverage the expertise and platforms of both entities, enhancing the viewer experience and further promoting community engagement. 

By partnering with SABC Sport, SuperSport Schools is extending its commitment to being a driving force behind youth sport. Young athletes will have more opportunities to showcase their talent, with increased potential to open doors to sporting opportunities, adds the duo.

SuperSport CEO, Rendani Ramovha, says, "One of the core pillars of this collaboration is ongoing promotion of community engagement, fostering a deeper connection between schools and their surrounding communities. We want to encourage participation in sports at a grassroots level and reignite interest in sports across all schools in the country. Both SuperSport and the SABC share a common vision of providing young athletes with a platform to shine and inspiring future generations of sportsmen and women."

SABC Group Chief Executive Officer, Nomsa Chabeli, says, "We are proud to be part of this life-changing partnership that extends beyond the fulfilment of the SABC's mandate, by offering South Africans from all walks of life, a platform that nurtures young talent and provides unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional development. This partnership allows the SuperSport Schools channel to be accessible on the SABC Plus streaming platform, enabling rising stars to gain recognition in the early stages of their lives, which will lead to more opportunities in the future."

Thandolwethu Bakumeni, Head of SuperSport Schools, says, "We are thrilled that the SABC is joining us in the promotion of schools' sport. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture young talent and make schools and youth sports a key part of South Africa's cultural fabric. After all, World Cups are won 10 years before they are played."

Keletso Totlhanyo, Head of SABC Sport, concludes, "SABC Sport is dedicated to providing our viewers with the best local sports content, and this new venture with SuperSport Schools will allow us to bring even more exciting and inspirational content to South African homes. Schools and youth sport not only foster community and youth development but also bring us the stars of tomorrow. We are proud to be a part of this initiative."

For more information, visit www.supersport.com. You can also follow SuperSport on Facebook, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor