SuperSport & Airtel team up for African football show

Pay-TV platform DStv has signed a partnership deal with mobile operator Airtel Africa to televise a new weekly African soccer programme called Airtel Football on SuperSport.

“We have always believed that football has the ability to develop and connect youth across the continent,” Andre Beyers, chief marketing officer, Airtel Africa.

“This was the rationale behind our pan African football tournament and talent development program, Airtel Rising Stars, which is now into its second year. The enthusiasm Africa has for the sport is undeniable. Our decision to be involved in this new show compliments our ongoing commitment to support the passions of our young adult consumers,” he added.

Airtel Rising Stars is the largest pan African youth football initiative, supported by both the mobile operator and Manchester United. An inter-country final of the Airtel Rising Stars youth tournament will be held in Nairobi later this year, with DStv providing live coverage of qualifying matches and the finals themselves.

“One of our goals during this second season of the Airtel Rising Stars initiative was to take an already successful property to the next level of awareness and excitement across the continent. We will showcase the various experiences of youth football across Africa in an interesting format. We are glad to partner with DStv Africa and will use their expertise, contacts and knowledge of the sports world to bring youth experiences to life on television,” said Beyers.

The 30 minute Airtel Football show focuses on different aspects of the sport across the continent, and airs on SuperSport 9 (DStv channel 209) each Monday at 8pm (WAT).