From football from some of Europe’s biggest cup competitions and African basketball, the weekend of 22 to 24 May promises wall-to-wall action featuring elite clubs, title-deciding fixtures and some of the sport world’s most anticipated match-ups this year.

Europe’s biggest soccer women’s clubs collide in Oslo

One of the standout fixtures of the weekend will see Barcelona take on Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final on Saturday 23 May at 18:00 (CAT) from the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The final marks the first time the prestigious event will be hosted in Norway and forms part of ESPN Africa’s continued commitment to bringing world-class international sport to audiences across the continent. ESPN holds exclusive rights to the competition across sub-Saharan Africa.

The race to the English Premier League

Football fans can also look forward to the EFL Championship Play-Off Final from Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 23 May, with kickoff at 16:30. Widely referred to as the “richest game in football”, the fixture determines which club could secure promotion to the English Premier League alongside the top two teams from the regular season.

Hull City and Middlesbrough are in the highly contested race for a coveted place in the Premiership, and will battle it out under the famous Wembley arch.

German giants battle for cup glory

The football action continues on Sunday 24 May at 20:00 with the DFB-Pokal Final from Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where Bayern Munich will face reigning champions VfB Stuttgart in Germany’s premiere domestic cup competition. Stuttgart lifted the trophy in 2025 after defeating Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in the final and will now attempt to defend their title against one of Europe’s most formidable football clubs.

Africa’s best basketball giants head to Kigali

Basketball fans are also in for a major treat as the Basketball Africa League Finals tip off in Kigali, Rwanda from 22 to 31 May. Taking place at the BK Arena, the BAL Finals bring together the continent’s top men’s basketball clubs as they compete for African glory and a place at the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

Kyle de Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, said the upcoming weekend reflects ESPN Africa’s commitment to delivering the most exciting sport to audiences across the continent. “This is an incredible weekend for sport fans and we are delighted to be bringing all of this action to viewers across Africa. From massive football finals and promotion battles to the biggest club basketball competition on the continent, the quality and variety of sport on offer across ESPN and ESPN2 that weekend is exceptional. We can’t wait to see these teams in action and to share every big moment with fans watching from home.”

Offering fans a relaxed and revealing look at his life and growing career in the land of the rising sun, Jesse in Japan will run across ESPN Africa’s social and digital platforms throughout the year, with a premiere episode each month.

Life beyond the try line

Kriel has been part of the Yokohama Canon Eagles since 2020 and reached a historic milestone in November 2025 when he was appointed the team’s first foreign captain. Jesse in Japan steps away from matchday pressure to capture the quieter rhythms of his life, from training sessions with teammates and recovery routines to favourite local restaurants, neighbourhood errands and moments of downtime. In addition, expect glimpses into differences between Mzansi and Japan, prepping for the next match, gym routines, insights into this exciting league and more.

The series will offer an unfiltered glimpse into how the South African rugby player has adapted to daily life in a new culture, balancing elite performance with curiosity, discipline and the small comforts that make a place feel like home. Jesse’s status as an athlete and rugby professional has grown exponentially in recent years through his successes with the South African men’s national rugby team the Springboks, which he has recently captained, his successes in Japan and his dedicated approach to health and fitness.

“ESPN remains committed to offering viewers cross the continent an unparalleled offering of the very best of US and international sporting leagues,” says Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are delighted to be working with Jesse Kriel to bring Jesse in Japan to viewers, offering complementary programming that gives an insight into the life and career of not only this sporting legend but also the thrilling Japan Rugby League One as he, together with his teammates, create historic sporting moments.”

“I am excited to be collaborating with ESPN to offer rugby fans and viewers the opportunity to be a part of my exciting journey in Japan,” says Jesse Kriel. “The series is an invitation to celebrate the food, culture, people and of course rugby action that I have am lucky enough to be a part of in the Japan Rugby League One and beyond.”

JRLO Exclusive to ESPN Africa

The prestigious Japan Rugby League One features a number of South African sporting icons such as Faf De Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx  and Pieter-Steph Du Toit.

As the Japan Rugby League One season unfolds, only on ESPN, the series will track Kriel’s journey as the competition builds towards the finals in June. Viewers can catch the action on ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248), on ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), and on Disney+ in South Africa with two live games every week and repeat broadcasts to ensure that no big moment is missed.

Patriots and Seahawks ready for championship showdown

The Patriots and Seahawks, both with a rich history in the Super Bowl, will bring star talent and high stakes to the field. Fans can expect dynamic plays, tactical match-ups and high-stakes moments as quarterbacks, receivers and defensive standouts face off under the brightest lights in American sport. The game promises a contest of skill, strategy and determination as each team aims to leave its mark on NFL history.

Halftime show and ways to catch the action

The popular Super Bowl halftime show, which will air during the live broadcast, will feature Grammy-winning global superstar Bad Bunny, bringing Latin rhythms and high-energy performance to the biggest stage in American football.

Viewers who cannot catch the live broadcast will have multiple opportunities to see the game with repeat airings later in the day at 08:00 on ESPN 2, 11:00 on ESPN, and at 15:00 on ESPN2. A 55-minute highlight package will also air during the week for fans to relive the game’s defining moments.

On ESPN, a world of sport awaits Disney+ customers with the National Rugby League in Australia (Aussie Rules) and Japan’s Rugby League, plus top European football action including the Scottish Professional Football League, English Football League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Football Association Cup and Turkey’s SüperLig, along with the Saudi Pro League.

ESPN 2 brings the biggest American sports, showcasing the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League), MLB (Major League Baseball) and NHL (National Hockey League), along with women’s and college competitions such as the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and ESPN College Football. 

Both ESPN channels also broadcast studio shows capturing the latest news and analysis from across American sport and football including “ESPN FC”, “First Take”, “The Pat McAfee” Show” and “SportsCenter”. Critically acclaimed and celebrated documentaries and original programming are also available, including ESPN’s award-winning library of 30 for 30 films.  

Says Diego Londono, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks & Sports, The Walt Disney Company EMEA: “At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with new audiences, bringing iconic sporting moments together with the expansive and much-loved entertainment already available.” 

Adds Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “ESPN’s unparalleled content offering will provide Disney+ customers with access to the greatest historic and live sports programming from some of the most iconic leagues and events in the world. Fans will be able to enjoy thrilling action right away as the European Football season and the NFL (National Football League), have just launched, with existing milestones to look forward to in 2025 including the start of the NBA (National Basketball Association), NHL (National Hockey League) as well as NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) football and basketball leagues.”   

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.   

Mark your calendar for these exciting games:

Christmas Eve – Sunday, 24 December 2023

• 20:00: ESPN presents a nail-biting NFL showdown (Fixture to be confirmed) in Week 16.
• 23:25: Stay tuned as ESPN delivers another spectacular NFL game (Fixture to be confirmed) in Week 16.

Christmas Day – Monday, 25 December 2023

• 03:15: Kick off your Christmas with an electrifying NFL match between Broncos and Patriots in Week 16.
• 19:00: NBA enthusiasts, gather round for the thrilling matchup between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks in the first of many Regular Season games this holiday.
• 20:00: Switch over to ESPN2 for a high-stakes NFL clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16.
• 21:30: NBA action continues with the Denver Nuggets facing off against the Golden State Warriors.
• 23:30: ESPN2 brings you another intense NFL battle, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants in Week 16.
• 00:00: Cap off the day with an exciting NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.

Boxing Day – Tuesday, 26 December 2023

• 03:00: Catch the NBA heat with the clash between Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers.
• 03:15: ESPN2 airs an intense NFL matchup between San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.
• 05:30: Wind down the day with a thrilling NBA game between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks.

New Year’s Eve – Sunday, 31 December 2023

• 19:00: ESPN2 counts down to the New Year with an exciting NFL matchup (Fixture to be confirmed) in Week 17.
• 21:00: ESPN brings the party with NBA action, featuring the Washington Wizards against the Atlanta Hawks.
• 22:25: The celebration continues with another exhilarating NFL game (fixture to be confirmed) on ESPN2.

New Year’s Day – Monday, 1 January 2024

• 02:20: Start the year right with ESPN2 with an intense NFL clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers from Week 17.
• 21:00: Hockey fans are in for a treat! ESPN brings the thrill of the Seattle Kraken vs the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Regular Season.

Don’t miss a minute of the action as ESPN Africa delivers the best in sports entertainment throughout the festive season. Be sure to get the whole family together for a sports-filled celebration!

The United Aviation Group League of Champions showcases the glitz and glamour of the riding world set against the fierce competition for the ultimate prize in South African show jumping. Combining the bravery of riders, the enormous talent of magnificent horses and strategy of competitors as they compete in one of the only team events on the equestrian calendar, this fast-paced event showcases some of the best equestrian talent and horses the African continent has to offer. The League of Champions features four heights with riders ranging from 18 to 65, who jump against each other and the clock to determine who can clear the obstacles with the fastest time and the fewest errors.

Jonathan Wolpe, CEO of the United Aviation Group, sponsor of the United Aviation League of Champions shares: “We are passionate about South Africa, our sportsmen and women and giving back to the equestrian profession. Having ESPN Africa broadcast the United Aviation League of Champions ensures that we can take the excitement of this event to the next level, and through this broader reach, we look forward to growing the ULC to the broader African equestrian community.” 

Expressing his excitement about the announcement Kyle De Klerk, Director: Sports of Africa at the Walt Disney Company Africa comments: “We are delighted to be broadcasting the United Aviation Group League of Champions this May. This distinguished event will bring additional diversity to our already unparalleled sports programming.”

The first fight to be broadcast live by ESPN Africa will take place on 25 March 2023 at 03:00 (CAT), featuring the junior welterweight battle between Jose Ramirez and Richard Commey of Ghana. The co-feature will be a world title unification clash, as WBA minimumweight world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada collides with WBC world champion Tina Rupprecht.

Top Rank Boxing is boxing’s leading promotion company that has shaped, developed and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars, including Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Aaron Pryor, Alexis Arguello, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and others. Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world and the upcoming fights promise to continue to build this legacy.

ESPN Africa’s coverage of Top Rank Boxing will include live broadcasts of the fights, as well as pre-fight and post-fight analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. The broadcasts will be available to audiences across Africa, providing viewers with an opportunity to enjoy the nail-biting action, live from the Top Rank Boxing events.

Upcoming bouts include:

• 25 March, Fresno, California – Junior Welterweight Battle – Jose Ramirez vs Richard Commey
• 1 April, Tulsa, Oklahoma – WBO Featherweight World Title Showdown – Robeisy Ramirez vs. Isaac Dogboe
• 8 April, Newark, New Jersey – WBC Lightweight World Title Eliminator – Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino

Sharing his excitement about the announcement Kyle De Klerk, Director: Sports of Africa at the Walt Disney Company Africa shared, “We are excited to bring Top Rank, the Worldwide Leader in Boxing promotions, to our African audiences. Top Rank’s proven track record of hosting some of the greatest matches in history and exciting upcoming schedule of events, is a welcome and fitting addition to our program offering.”

The first round saw the two fighters feeling each other out as neither took any big risks. The second round, however, saw Kalombo throwing some big shots, but narrowly missing. That was not the case in the third with the man from DRC landing some telling blows which visibly left Thakran hurt. 

As a result, the man from India failed to answer the fourth round as Kalombo picked up the 17^th win of his career (17-1-0). Thakran’s fight record stands at 16-4-1.

Triumphant return for Kriel

The co-main event saw a triumphant return to the ring for Dee-jay Kriel (17-2-1) who earned a split decision win (76-76, 78-74, 77-75) over Thembelani Nxoshe (19-10-2) in their catchweight fight over eight rounds.

After being out of action for over two years, Kriel was working off the ring rust early on which probably saw his opponent win the first couple of rounds. 

In the third, though, the former IBF World champion picked up the pace and started taking control, with Nxoshe having no answer. 

The remaining rounds saw Kriel take the center of the ring and keep up the pressure with a constant barrage of punches which earned him the win. 

Simwaka stops Nxokwana in her tracks

The main card opened with an International Female Bantamweight fight that saw Malawi’s Ellen Simwaka (12-5-2) earn a TKO win over South Africa’s Asandiswa Nxokwana (7-5-2). 

Simwaka was the more aggressive of the two and threw a lot of punches from the opening bell. Nxokwana was nowhere to be found in the first round and received a lot of punishment in the second.

Consequently, the South African failed to answer the bell for the third round. 

Rossouw edges all-out war 

The second bout on the main card produced a thriller with South Africa’s Darrin Rossouw (7-0-0) earning a unanimous decision win (77-75, 78-75, 78-74) over DRC’s Jacques Tshikubu Muvud (7-2-1) in an International Middleweight contest over eight rounds. 

It was an explosive opening round with both boxer’s throwing a lot of shots, as they stood toe-to-toe and exchanged thunderous blows. 

And that is the way it continued for the next seven rounds, with neither fighter giving an inch. Jabs, straights, hooks, upper-cuts and overhand rights were all on display in what can only be described as all out war. 

In the end, it was Rossouw who landed the cleaner blows to maintain his unbeaten record. 

Mukala with another world class performance 

The third bout on the main card saw DRC’s Patrick Mukala (14-2-1) earn a TKO win over South Africa’s Yanga Petani (14-5-1) in an International Super Middleweight contest. 

It was a cagey first round but the whole time you could see Mukala was trying to figure out how to close the distance on his much taller opponent. 

By the second round the man from the DRC had figured Petani out and put him on the canvas with a stinging left jab to the head. The South African answered the count and made it to the end of the round. 

Mukala dished out more punishment in the third as he picked his opponent apart at will. Subsequently, Petani failed to answer the bell for the fourth round. 

Undercard:

The evening opened with an International Welterweight contest that saw DRC’s Aaron Muteba (2-0-0) earn a second round TKO win over South Africa’s Phumelelo Cele. 

It was a devastating straight left from the southpaw that put Cele on the floor and unable to continue, with the referee calling a stop to the fight two minutes and 39 seconds into round two. 

Results:

• Aaron Muteba wins by TKO over Phumelelo Cele (2 mins, 39 secs in round 2)
• Ellen Simwaka wins by TKO over Asandiswa Nxokwana (failed to answer 3^rd round) 
• Darrin Rossouw wins by unanimous decision over Jacques Muvud (77-75, 78-75, 78-74)
• Patrick Mukala wins by TKO over Yanga Petani (failed to answer 4^th round) 
• Dee-jay Kriel wins by split decision over Thembelani Nxoshe (76-76, 78-74, 77-75)

Emmany Kalombo wins by TKO over Shiba Thakran (failed to answer 4^th round).

We start off with our very own Xolisani Ndongeni (31-2-0) who shone bright in the main event after a seventh round KO victory over Thailand’s Apinun Khongsong (20-3-0) in their International Junior Welterweight Bout in South Africa on Thursday 17 November.

The Mzansi native was technically very good on the night and stuck to a plan in order to earn the  31^st win of his career. He worked his jab superbly, both to the body and the head of his opponent, peppering the midriff more often than not. 

This led to Khongsong dropping his guard and Ndongeni took full advantage in the fourth round when a right hand sent the man from Thailand to the deck. The latter answered the count but was lucky to escape the round.

Ndongeni persisted with his plan and in the sixth round Khongsong was on the canvas twice after some super combinations from the South African, the overhand right doing the damage on both occasions.

Finally, two minutes and six seconds into the seventh round, after being down for the fourth time, Khongsong failed to answer the count after being knocked down by another right hand.

Speaking after the fight, Ndongeni explained he had a plan for their opponent on the night. He was also very thankful for the opportunity and demanded a title shot next.

“Thank you to Durban and to ESPN for the opportunity,” said Ndongeni.

“We have worked every day. I was tired but I kept pushing. The knockout is something we planned. He was a tough opponent. I knew I had to box him, he was very strong. I proved I can box when I have to, I can fight when I have to. I need a title on my waist.”

Lamati says ‘watch this f*#king space’ after KO win

The co-main event saw South Africa’s Ludumo Lamati (21-0-1) KO the Philippines’ Mark Anthony Geraldo (38-12-3) two minutes and nine seconds in round four of their International Featherweight Bout.

It was a cagey first round with both boxers just feeling each other out. The second round, though, saw the South African working well behind his jab and landing some straight rights.

It was more of the same in the third as Lamati picked up the pace and it paid dividends in the fourth. A thunderous right hand to the body of Geraldo saw the Philippine drop to the deck and fail to answer the count. 

Speaking after the fight, Lamati promised some big things for next year: “It feels really great to win. There is no me without the team. Watch this f*#king space! 2023 watch this f*#king space!”

Close call in Basheel’s split decision win

The main card opened with possibly the fight of the night as Malawi’s Anisha Basheel (11-8-0) earned a split decision win (56-57, 58-56, 59-55) over Zimbabwe’s Chiedza Homakoma (6-4-2) in their International Female Lightweight Bout over six rounds.

Homakoma, though, started the better of the two fighters and landed the cleaner shots with her left-hook and overhand right dominating the first two rounds.

The contest turned in the third round when a devastating overhand right from Basheel sent the Zimbabwean tumbling to the canvass. Homakoma got back to her feet, but was saved by the bell as the round ended with her taking numerous shots to the head.

Rounds four through six saw both boxers stand toe-to-toe in the center of the ring as they dished out a slugfest, but Basheel landed the more telling blows to earn the 11^th win of her career. 

Van Heerden puts on impressive boxing display

The second bout on the main card saw South African Donjuan Van Heerden (5-1-0) put on an impressive boxing display which saw him beat Congo’s Giresse Wingui (2-2-0) via a unanimous decision win (59-56, 59-55, 59-56) in their International Middleweight Bout over six rounds.

The South African looked good from the opening bell and found his rhythm early on. Wingui struggled to answer Van Heerden’s combinations and slick footwork.

Van Heerden won the first three rounds comfortably, but the man from Congo mounted a bit of a fight back in the last three and had Van Heerden on the ropes in the sixth round. In the end, the South African just landed too many shots as he scored at will the entire fight.

Truter earns TKO win after cut eye

The third bout on the main card saw Tristan Truter (11-3-0) earn a fourth round TKO win over Andile Mntungwa (6-6-1) in their Super Middleweight Bout.

The fight was a severely contested affair, but a cut suffered to the top of the left eye of Mntungwa in the first round was the difference with the doctor declaring him not able to continue two minutes and 20 seconds into round four.

The fight was tight from the start and neither boxer had a clear edge although Truter landed the more telling blows, especially in the first with a great right-hook splitting his opponents eyebrow. 

The win is Truter’s 11^th of his professional career as he looks onwards and upwards.

Mzimela claims KZN Junior Featherweight title

The fourth bout on the main card saw Mduduzi Mzimela (6-0-0) claim the KZN Junior Featherweight title with a split decision win (96-93, 94-95, 96-93) over Sanele Maduna (4-2-2) in their ten-round fight.

The pattern of the fight emerged early on as Mzimela pushed forward, swinging aggressively but Maduna kept his composure and picked his shots almost at will. Maduna used his stinging straight to score and was counter punching really well, tagging Mzimela every time he threw his wild punches. 

To his credit, the newly crowned champion kept pushing forward and kept his work-rate high which made a big impact on the judges.

The final round was the telling one with Mzimela coming out firing, throwing as many punches as he could and landing some as well. This saw Maduna continuously hold him, and he was eventually deducted a point which made all the difference on the scorecards. 

Main Card results:

• Basheel wins by split decision over Homakoma (56-57, 58-56, 59-55) 
• Van Heerden wins by unanimous decision over Wingui (59-56, 59-55, 59-56)
• Truter wins by TKO over Mntungwa (2 min, 20 secs in round 4)
• Mzimela wins by split decision over Maduna (96-93, 94-95, 96-93)
• Lamati wins by KO over Geraldo (2 mins, 9 secs in round 4)
• Ndongeni wins by KO over Khongsong (2 min, 6 secs in round 7)

Showcasing a diverse range of the continent’s best boxing talent and sanctioned by Boxing South Africa (BSA), ESPN Africa Boxing events take place on a monthly basis on Thursday evenings. With five main fights per event, and two undercard bouts on each bill, ESPN Africa Boxing features male and female boxing talent from across Africa. The September event is the 21^st iteration of the series.

The fights are broadcast live on ESPN Africa (DStv 218, Starsat 248) catering to the immense popularity of the sport on the continent, as well as on several broadcast partners across the globe. ESPN delivers a high-quality boxing viewing experience with premium broadcast production, accompanied by all of the fanfare behind the scenes.

Play.co.za enters the market this September as an innovative new gaming and betting platform, offering fans eSports, Live Dealer Games, Lucky Numbers, and Betgames. Additional offerings include promotional bonuses for partaking in major tournaments and loyalty incentives for playful fans.

“As a playful and community-driven brand looking to disrupt the local gaming market, our goal is to form strategic partnerships with right-fit organisations that not only resonate with our audience, but that share our values as a premium online entertainment platform. We look forward to collaborating with a prestigious tournament such as ESPN Africa Boxing in showcasing our continent’s talent and building relationships with avid boxing fans,” says JP van der Spuy, Founder and CEO, Play.co.za.

“ESPN is known for bringing the most exciting sporting moments to sports fans across the continent and ESPN Africa Boxing is just one prime example,” said Kyle De Klerk, Director: Sports Commercial and Business, The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Play.co.za on this popular and exciting franchise.”

Premiering exclusively on ESPN (DStv 218) across Africa from 23 – 25 March at 21:30 (CAT), Galacticos documents Pérez’s first term as president of Real Madrid and the “Galactico” revolution he oversaw to make the team the most glamorous and successful football club the world has ever seen.

The series traces Real Madrid’s time under Perez, from his Presidential win and controversial transfer of Luis Figo from bitter rivals Barcelona in July 2000, to the resignation of his first term as Real Madrid President in February 2006 following the fallout from his “Galáctico” vision.

Galacticos follows the transfers of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham, who joined the club between 2001 to 2003 who, alongside Figo, formed the “Galactico” (Spanish for “galactics”, referring to superstars) generation. The series also explores Perez’s vision to modernise Real Madrid in a new world of sponsorship, image rights and the internet to become a global sporting superpower in the 2000’s.

“Galacticos is another superb original series from ESPN’s award-winning documentary unit,” says Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa. “The series shares intriguing new insights about one of the world’s most ambitious soccer teams and, knowing the club’s popularity on the continent, we are thrilled to share this remarkable tale with soccer fans this month.”

Galacticos includes fascinating insights from a stellar interview cast of Real Madrid legends, including Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Fernando Hierro, Claude Makélélé, Fernando Morientes, Steve McManaman and Manager Vicente del Bosque, alongside individuals closest to Perez. A no brainer really this one, mark the details… 23 – 25 March at 21:30 (CAT) on ESPN (DStv 218).

As part of the local brand campaign, O’Connor, the alter ego of actor Tyson Ngubeni (who used to be a colleague of mine once upon a time), will lend his talents as a special correspondent with delusions of a would-be career as a professional athlete if it were not for an injury caused by stubbing his toe at his high school graduation. He has been stationed in South Africa since 2018. Checkout the first video here.

Through his witty humour and sporting knowledge, O’Connor will be sharing insights that will help South African’s foster understanding of American sports both on television and social media. With his unique comedic approach, he draws parallels between the iconic leagues featured on both ESPN and ESPN 2, and our country’s own sporting leagues, all in an effort to help explain some of the facets of American sports that have intrigued audiences for years. He also does occasional pieces of social commentary on South African cultural nuances to hilarious effect.

Viewers can catch the on-air campaign across both ESPN and ESPN 2, as well as National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, and Fox. They can also connect to @ESPNAfrica across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as Africa.espn.com to keep up to date with the latest from the hilarious O’Connor, the world of American Sports and beyond.

Sports fans have a lot to look forward to this year as ESPN’s schedule is packed with the best sporting action from not only American, but European and other premium sports leagues as well.

Starting with America’s favourite sport, the NFL (National Football League), January is crunch time as the regular season comes to an end. The post-season brings high stakes football with the Wild Card Round, Divisional Round and Conference Finals to follow. Who will win the right to compete for the Lombardi Trophy? Who will compete in the iconic Super Bowl final event, scheduled to take place on 8^th February at 01:30 (CAT) with the popular half time show?

The NBA (National Basketball Association) is now back in full swing. LeBron and the Lakers will be looking to return to the finals and win back to back championships. The rest of the league are out to beat them and ensure that their respective franchises lift the Larry O’ Brien NBA Championship Trophy.  

“This local brand collaboration with Bob O’Connor will walk side by side with fans as we kick off an action-packed year for sport on the ESPN channels in 2021. His self-deprecating humour and signature comedy style are a treat to watch, while also being invaluable in explaining American sporting leagues to viewers and fans across the continent.” said Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa.

Together with live sports programming, viewers will also be able to catch up on the very latest films, series, news, talk shows and highlights from ESPN’s iconic sports documentary and studio programming throughout the year.

Catch Bob O’Connor this month on ESPN, ESPN2 and on social media @ESPNAfrica.