African pay TV service MultiChoice is to launch new football-themed pop-up channels on its platforms, teaming up with a US cable network for one of them.
The Naspers-owned company will launch the channels – History of Football and SuperSport 14 (SS14) – on its pay TV platforms DStv and GOtv. They will debut on DStv on May 28 and April 18, respectively.
History of Football will be launched in partnership with US-based cablecaster A+E Networks International. It will air for 14 days, starting on May 28 and ending on June 10, and is exclusive to DStv channel 187.
A+E Networks International operates the History channel worldwide and the History of Football is a global initiative.
Subscribers to DStv Premium, Compact and Compact Plus packages will have access to the History of Football, which will feature a blend of local and international football content.
Meanwhile, SS14 will focus on the Fifa World Cup tournament with an array of documentaries, matches and interviews. GOtv customers will be able to access the channel from April 25 and it will be available to GOtv Max and GOtv Plus subscribers on channel 36.
“The World Cup pop-up channels yet again exemplify our commitment to providing the best sporting content,” said Martin Mabutho, general manager of sales and marketing at MultiChoice Nigeria.
“Our viewers will get the chance to relive classic matches, catch exclusive interviews and witness never-before-seen scenarios, all while preparing for our unbeatable coverage of the 2018 World Cup, which comes complete with exclusive commentary and analyses.”
Yolisa Phahle, CEO of general entertainment for South Africa-based MultiChoice, said: “The story of football is great family entertainment and we’re delighted to be part of History’s global event.
“This pop-up channel is exclusive to DStv customers in Africa and is the perfect build-up to the full-on action that will unfold during the football World Cup tournament that we’ll be broadcasting in June on several dedicated SuperSport channels.”
The 2018 Fifa World Cup matches will be available on DStv and GOtv.
tagged in: A+E Networks International, DSTV, Fifa World Cup, GOtv, History of Football, MultiChoice, SuperSport 14