NMH lauded for live football broadcast

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK



Many Namibians, including the president of the country's football association, expressed excitement over Namibia Media Holdings' (NMH) broadcast of the NPFL via the Namibian Sun Facebook page and other social media platforms.

The broadcast, which was also showed on Sport Wrap, had many Namibians and those abroad glued to their laptops, smart TVs and phones, watching live action from the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Ranga Haikali, who was watching from his farm, praised NMH for the initiative.

“This is something very important for Namibian football in general and for the clubs and players as individuals. “Yes, there were some glitches, but the quality was impressive overall because I was at the farm and could actually watch clear matches.

“This is good because the football faithful can now actually watch from home during these difficult times where spectators are not allowed,” Haikali said.



Brand value

0The NFA president believes that the coverage could provide mileage to football sponsors.

Haikali feels that club and league sponsors will be able to sell their brands more on such platforms.

“These are the kinds of things that can actually help the teams and their sponsors with mileage.

“I am definitely happy about the whole NMH initiative and believe it can only get better,” Haikali said.

Former Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti, who was present at the stadium during the NPFL transitional league games, was equally impressed.

Mannetti is optimistic that a broadcast of such nature can work even after the coronavirus pandemic is over.

“I was totally impressed with the professional setup at the stadium and I must say that I was happy that NMH was there to showcase the games live.

“This is something very big that can actually help so many players and teams to get the recognition they deserve because it was not every day where you would see them on screens.

“The truth is that only three or four big teams attract spectators in each country in Africa and that is why we do not have stadiums filled up.

“But with things such as this broadcast, I swear that there will be opportunities for the players to get recognised and the fans to actually fall in love with the brand of Namibian football,” Mannetti said.

Coach of Orlando Pirates Woody Jacobs also praised NMH for the bold step.

Jacobs's team was the first to get coverage in their game against Citizens on Saturday afternoon.

“As a coach I am happy that we were able to show those that could not be here with us what we are capable of doing.

“This was an excellent initiative and one can just hope that potential sponsors will come on board to make sure that football remains covered all the times by companies such as NMH.

“I have to thank Namibian Sun and the entire NMH group for making this possible.

“I cannot remember a time in league football that we had all matches covered live in this way and I must take my hat off to those that made it possible,” Jacobs said.

Watching from the United Kingdom, Meku Kandjii was also pleased with the broadcast.

“Wow, I can only say that Namibians here in the United Kingdom are happy with what NMH just did.

“You brought so much joy to us because we were able to watch the games from so far away. Big ups,” Kandjii posted.