Indigenous-language SuperSport CANAL+ commentators say they are still waiting to be paid for additional shifts worked during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising fresh questions about how the broadcaster treats its vernacular talent.

SuperSport CANAL+ broadcasters who have endeared themselves to football audiences through their commentary in isiZulu, Sesotho, and Setswana are voicing grievances similar to those recently raised by Bafana Bafana players over outstanding World Cup payments.

It was not long ago that local football fans were left stunned by reports that, despite SAFA receiving approximately R218 million, Bafana Bafana players had yet to receive their World Cup bonuses after making history by reaching the Round of 32—a feat South Africa had never previously achieved since its World Cup debut in 1998.

SAFA attributed the delay to tax and regulatory complexities associated with the national team’s matches in the United States and Mexico.

According to a Zulu newspaper, it has learnt from a source at SuperSport’s Randburg headquarters that indigenous-language commentators are also waiting for payment after working additional shifts during the tournament.

The commentators identified in connection with the vernacular commentary team include Zama “ZZ” Masondo, Reggie “Mapensela” Ndlovu, Phumlani Miya, and Veli Khumalo, who have provided isiZulu commentary; Baba Mthethwa, Arnold Rankonko, and Maphale Moloi, associated with Sesotho commentary; and Tshepo Maimane, who provides Setswana commentary.

According to a source, the commentators worked more than 10 additional matches during the World Cup under an arrangement referred to as the “Extra Shift” programme.

“These broadcasters are being exploited; we don’t know if it is because they are looked down upon for not broadcasting in English.

What is baffling is that statistics show football fans tune in to them the most because they appreciate their commentary style,” the source said.

Two broadcasters who spoke to ILANGA on condition of anonymity, citing concerns about possible repercussions, said they accepted the additional work because they understood it would result in additional income.

“We were asked to continue broadcasting matches under the ‘Extra Shift’ programme. We readily agreed, as it meant extra income for us, since we are paid per match broadcast,” one broadcaster said.

According to the broadcasters, the issue was raised with management shortly after the tournament.

“During our last meeting with management on July 21—two days after the World Cup ended—they promised to get back to us regarding when we would be paid. However, when we send emails, they ignore us completely,” the broadcaster said.

The commentators also raised concerns about transport arrangements during the tournament, particularly for matches that required them to work during the early hours of the morning.

“Since some matches took place in the early hours of the morning, we were forced to make our own way to the studio for broadcasts, whereas analysts brought in from abroad were chauffeured in police-escorted vehicles between their Sandton hotel and the studio,” one broadcaster alleged.

The broadcasters questioned why different arrangements appeared to apply to different categories of broadcast personnel.

“What we want to know is how our colleagues who broadcast in English were compensated,” the broadcaster said.

The dispute also highlights a broader question about the place of indigenous-language commentary within South Africa’s football broadcasting industry.

For many supporters, vernacular commentary is not simply an alternative language feed. It provides football with cultural familiarity, humour, expression, and linguistic accessibility that can deepen the connection between supporters and the game.

The commentators now want clarity on when their additional World Cup work will be paid and whether the same arrangements governing extra work applied consistently across the broadcaster’s different commentary teams.

Sibusiso Mjikeliso, CANAL+ Senior Manager: Communications & Partnerships, was contacted for comment.

“The company cannot comment on these allegations,” Mjikeliso said.

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