"Even Cartoons Are Better!" Local Football Viewership Is Tanking Alarmingly, Fans Have Their Say

• Readers have responded to revelations that local football's television viewership been tanking badly, especially since the outbreak of Covid-19
• The revelation was made in a report compiled by television ratings company Nielsen, which provided various reasons for the development
• Observers have also given a multitude of reasons for the decline, ranging from the expensiveness of dish television to the poor standard of football on display

Sports Brief readers were unsurprised that viewership of local football matches had taken a massive nosedive in recent years.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, fans have not been allowed into venues as a result of the pandemic. Footballs fans and politicians are now speaking about reverting to the pre-Covid status quo.

As per KickOff and City Press, a report by television ratings company Nielsen alluded to this and other factors for the plunge.

However, supporters feel that the reasons for the loss of interest where a lot more straightforward.

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Nokulunga Shabalala said:

"For what? To see Sundowns win every trophy. It's boring now, it's no longer interesting. It used to be fun when it was a real competition, when we couldn't predict which club between Chiefs, Pirates or Sundowns. Nowadays we predict every start of the season that Sundowns will take at least three trophies. It's boring."

Grace Sebake said:

"Not surprised. DSTV is too expensive, paying for repeated games and losing matches. They must watch themselves."

Buyisile Sibiya said:

"Local football is not interesting. We are tired of watching goalless matches. Even cartoons are better than watching them."

Enest Mudau said:

"DStv must show games even on R115 premium"

S'yanda S'yanda said:

"DStv is expensive. On the other hand SABC is broadcasting less interesting games. No midweek games. Only one game per weekend."

Malemela Sema said:

"Football without fans at the stadium is also boring while watching it on TV. It lacks the spark .Is like you are watching a practice match."

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Economic Freedom Fighters set to roast government, SAFA, PSL and Multichoice

The Economic Freedom Fighters are not joking about forcing the hand of the powers-that-be to reopen stadiums to the public.

As reported on Sports Brief, EFF leader Julius Malema spoke at a party rally last weekend, imploring president Cyril Ramaphosa and the government to prioritise letting spectators watch their favourite teams.

This time around, the South African Football Association, Premier Soccer League, Department of Sports and Recreation and Multichoice found themselves in his cross-hairs.