This Saturday the 2nd of May is the classic Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates FC and Kaizer Chiefs. But there’s a very big difference this time – it’s going to be televised like never before.
SuperSport, the broadcasters of the event are going to produce the images at a level never done before in Africa. There are going to deploy an unprecedented 27 cameras and a helicopter-mounted camera. Viewers are literally going to see the game from every perspective. All this to an expanded audience since the game is going to have a global audience – a wonderful platform for these two Soweto giants to expose their brands.
This derby has benefited from being at the right place at the right time. SuperSport wanted to test the new broadcasting system installed for the FIFA Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup that I covered in a previous piece. Another first is that the game will be seen in High Definition – all the action will be seen in the crystalline clarity of this world-class digital format.
Yet another milestone will be reached with the audio broadcast being done in three languages – English, Zulu and Setswana. They’re also going to be freebies, as all fans will be given a t-shirt of either of the clubs that they support. This practice occurs at Test Cricket matches in this country but is brand new to soccer.
Hopefully, the quality of football that will be on show will befit this groundbreaking occasion. I hope to see super-slow-motion of all the highlights and the capturing of interesting off-the ball incidents by any of the 27 cameras. My expectations are high indeed as it heralds the beginning of state-of-the-art broadcasting from Africa.
The home team has to make sure that it’s management of this event is also world-class as the image of both teams, particularly the home team, and indeed South African soccer in general, will be affected either positively or negatively depending on how things pan out. In this regard, the conduct of the fans will also be important. We can’t afford any violence or burning of seats at such an occasion and the fact that the Venue is Coca-Cola Park (formerly Ellis Park), should be a painful reminder of what not to do. This was the venue where 43 supporters died in the very same fixture a few years ago.
Coincidentally, this fixture is taking place the very same day as the world-famous ‘El Classico’ match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. It’s too much to ask that the quality of football be the same but at least for once the quality of the broadcast will be on a par.
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