Techmag|Barclays Premier League fans have been dealt a blow by DStv (Digital Satellite Television) service provider, Multichoice , after it pronounced that the top flight matches would be only available to premium subscribers with effect from August 6, 2015.
Multichoice said in a statement, “From this season onwards the drama of EPL will unfold on Super Sport 5, which will now be available on Dstv Channel 225 (previously on channel 205) from 6 August 2015 on the premium bouquet and will also be available in SD/HD.”
The premium bouquet costs $81, a figure which many Zimbabweans are not subscribed to because of the availability of cheaper packages such as Access $11, Family $28, Compact $32 and Compact plus $55.
Multichoice said the EPL which used to be broadcasted on Super Sport 3, Dstv Channel 223, which is also available to Compact and Compact Plus subscribers is moving to Super Sport 5, Dstv Channel 225, which would only be available to premium subscribers.
“SS5 will now become Africa’s new 24 hr. home of the EPL with up to three live matches on any given Saturday and Sunday. The flair of LaLiga will light up Super Sport 3, which is the home of all European and International football. The channel will become the go-to channel for all the Spanish football league action with up to three live matches on any given Saturday and Sunday.”
Barclays Premier League is the most supported and followed soccer league in Zimbabwe, the move by Multichoice will see many soccer lovers thronging sports bars on match days thus benefiting sports bar owners. Currently, many sports bars around the country are cashing in on desperate soccer fanatics who are not subscribed to any of the Dstv bouquet.
The majority of EPL lovers will also miss magazine shows and live programming, which include PLTV kick off, Match day live, Fan Zone, Saturday/ Sunday review, Football today, Classic matches, Netbusters and match of the week, which were being aired on SS3.
Better known as the world of champions, Super Sport will continue to show Cup tournaments such as the UEFA Champions league and Europa League, FA Cup, Copa Del Rey, Germany Cup, Euro 2016 and international friendlies on SS3. SS3 will now broadcast magazine shows, LaLiga World and LaLiga highlights as well as preview shows and the football league show.