Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza has expressed disappointment after SABC crew was prevented from broadcasting their CAF Champions League game against TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
Two SABC staff members have been released, after being briefly detained in the country earlier in the day. An SABC radio reporter had his cellphone and SIM card confiscated.
Khoza, who is also a member of the CAF inter-club committee, said he will raise the issue at a CAF meeting in two weeks' time. Pirates are already on their way back to Johannesburg.
VIDEO: TP Mazembe v Orlando Pirates - highlights
They lost 1-0 TP Mazembe, but squeezed into the last eight of the CAF Champions League 3-2 on aggregate.
The arrests came after the SABC crew was prevented from broadcasting the game. With minutes to go before kick-off, the crew was chased out of the stadium. The two technical crews who were arrested have now been escorted back to their hotel. They are hoping to return home on Monday.
The SABC described the incident as saddening. SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that in terms of the match not having been broadcast, the SABC will discuss the incident with the relevant authorities.
The SABC broadcast the first leg of the tie from Orlando Stadium two weeks ago, and there was reportedly an agreement that they would be able to do the same from the second round match in Lubumbashi on Sunday.
The Department of International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said they have been in contact with the consul general in Lubumbashi to deal with the matter and to assist the SABC crew.
