/ 9 October 2008

MTN8 final breaks TV viewership records

Television audience figures for the MTN8 final between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns shown on SABC1 on September 23 were the highest recorded to date on South African television.

This is according to figures released on Thursday by global sponsorship research agency Sports Marketing Surveys.

The broadcast of the match, which Chiefs won in a penalty shootout (4-3) after 120 minutes of energy-sapping action, attracted 4 982 410 viewers.

The game was also broadcast on SuperSport and it is estimated that the match received a combined total viewership of more than five million viewers.

Previously, the highest TV football audience was for the Absa Premiership Soweto derby between Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in November last year, which attracted more than 3,9-million viewers. That game ended in a 2-2 draw. — Sapa