Malawians react to BBC EPL commentary rights

"Save for French, the rationale of extending such services to Malawi which already enjoys English commentary is beyond me," said Msawanika Zungwara, an ardent Manchester United fan.

He said efforts should have been made to consider broadcasting in Chichewa which is spoken in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia where it is referred to as Chinyanja as well as in some parts of Zimbabwe.

Three-year deal

The office of Malawi's British High Commission re-issued a statement that was released in London on 6 September 2010 that said football fans across sub-Saharan Africa will now be able to listen to the BBC commentating on Barclays Premier League matches in four more languages, thanks to an agreement between BBC World Service and The Premier League.

The three-year deal will be in force until May 2014, which means that the BBC's key African multimedia services will be offering their audiences commentary on Barclays Premier League weekend matches.

Commentary for weekend matches

"The agreement also extends the existing commentary rights of the BBC Swahili service which has been broadcasting live Saturday afternoon football commentary since 2004. BBC Swahili will now also commentate on Sunday matches," explains the statement.

Isa Abba Adamu, executive editor, African region, BBC World Service, described the agreement as an exciting new agreement which follows on from their World Cup broadcasts in English and Swahili, when they received an overwhelming response from African football fans.

While Malawians have mixed feelings over the announcement, head of BBC Somali, Yusuf Garaad Omar says that for many among BBC Somali's younger listeners, this is the first time ever that they have a chance to listen to a live football commentary in Somali language.