Supersport responds on AI Camera usage in MTN Super League
MTN Super League official broadcasters Supersport have responded to the criticism of their opening week transmission.
Supersport came under fire from Zambian football fans over the poor quality of their broadcast.
Supersport have however come out and said the use of ‘market-leading AI camera technology’ for the 2024/25 football season, will lead to more matches for fans to enjoy.
Supersport revealed that Zambia is the MTN Super League is the first domestic football league on the continent to experience the game-changing technology in a statement availed to the ZamFoot Crew.
THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
SuperSport puts MTN Super League at forefront of AI Technological Revolution
Zambia’s MTN Super League becomes the first African football league to use market-leading AI camera technology for the 2024/25 football season, leading to more matches for fans to enjoy.
WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2024 – SuperSport, Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster, has brought market-leading global AI camera technology to Zambian football, making the MTN Super League the first domestic football league on the continent to experience the game-changing technology.
The start of the New Football Season last weekend saw the introduction of an AI-automated camera and production system, which utilises innovative technology that possesses sports-specific Al-driven production capability.
AI technology in the MTN Super League opens the prospect for more Zambian football talent to be showcased to more people, positioning the league for potential exponential growth.
With the youngest population in the world, Africa is a hotbed for emerging sports talent, and Zambia is no exception. SuperSport is not only injecting new technology into the local football scene but also empowering the next generation of Zambian athletes to shine on a fast-growing global platform.
The AI automated video production system has been used in countries such as the US, France, England and Portugal, and, recently, received official software approval from the International Basketball Federation – FIBA.
The use of AI cameras in the MTN Super League means Zambia is now at the forefront of the AI technological revolution in Africa, following successful implementation in South Africa’s ground-breaking youth platform, SuperSport Schools.
“SuperSport is excited to see the rollout of AI technology in the MTN Super League. AI technology is changing the way many industries operate and consumer trends are driving the way people want to enjoy their content. This is a significant step in ensuring that Zambian football fans get to enjoy more of the games they love, wherever they want to watch – whether on mobile stream or linear television,” says SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.
“The AI technology also ensures that the league is sustainable in the future, whilst providing the platform for more commercial opportunities driven by the increased broadcasting scale. More matches mean more exposure for the league and teams.”
The unique AI camera technology enables games to be filmed, produced, live streamed, and automatically edited for highlights. The innovative technology will ensure fans can enjoy the beautiful game seamlessly on their linear television sets on DStv or on their mobiles on GOtv.
SuperSport is committed to continuously exploring ways to remain the industry leader in a fast-changing and highly competitive global content environment.