HARARE – The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has moved to calm growing public debate over its partnership with Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Scottland FC, insisting the agreement is limited to the Toyota Cup Challenge and does not affect its existing broadcasting arrangements with the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The clarification follows widespread criticism from football fans and stakeholders who questioned why the national broadcaster had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an individual club instead of the PSL or the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
In a statement released on Friday, ZBC said the agreement relates exclusively to the live broadcast of Scottland FC’s international friendly against South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, scheduled for July 26.
“The Memorandum of Understanding relates exclusively to the live broadcast of Scottland Football Club’s international friendly match against South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup Challenge. The agreement does not extend to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixtures,” ZBC said.
PSL Fully Aware of the Agreement
The public broadcaster stressed that the PSL was fully informed about the arrangement and that the MoU does not interfere with the league’s existing broadcasting contract.
“The Premier Soccer League is fully aligned to and aware of this Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU is specific to the Toyota Cup Challenge international fixture and does not in any way affect local Premier Soccer League matches, which continue to be governed by the existing broadcasting agreement between ZBC and the PSL,” the corporation said.
ZBC reiterated that it remains the official broadcast partner of the Premier Soccer League, adding that all league matches aired on the national broadcaster continue to be allocated by the PSL.
“All Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches broadcast by ZBC are assigned by the PSL. The Corporation is committed to providing fair, balanced and comprehensive coverage of league football involving all participating clubs.”
Fans Questioned the Partnership
The clarification comes after social media erupted with mixed reactions following the announcement of the Scottland-ZBC partnership.
Some supporters argued that a state broadcaster should negotiate broadcasting agreements with the PSL rather than individual clubs, warning that similar deals could create an uneven playing field if replicated across the league.
Others, however, defended the partnership, saying clubs should be free to secure commercial opportunities that help promote Zimbabwean football, especially on the international stage.
The debate highlighted broader concerns about football governance, broadcasting rights and the commercialisation of the domestic game.
Clubs Free to Work With ZBC
Addressing those concerns, ZBC said clubs remain free to partner with the national broadcaster on projects that fall outside the existing PSL broadcasting agreement.
“All football clubs are free to partner with the national broadcaster on mutually agreed initiatives that fall outside the scope of the existing PSL broadcasting agreement.”
According to the broadcaster, such collaborations are aimed at showcasing international fixtures and special sporting events while promoting Zimbabwean football locally and abroad.
Sports Channel on the Horizon
ZBC also revealed that the partnerships form part of a broader strategy to expand local sports coverage ahead of the launch of a dedicated sports channel.
“These partnerships form part of the Corporation’s broader strategy to mobilise quality local sports content in preparation for the launch of a dedicated sports channel in the near future, further strengthening the visibility and commercial growth of Zimbabwean sport.”
The announcement signals ZBC’s intention to increase sports programming as it seeks to boost local content and provide greater exposure for Zimbabwean athletes and clubs.
For now, the broadcaster insists there is no conflict between its Scottland agreement and its obligations to the Premier Soccer League, with the Toyota Cup Challenge remaining the sole focus of the newly signed MoU.
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