English Premier League Games to Air for Free in Africa

May 16, 2016

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 


1. telecast / ˈtɛl ɪˌkæst / (n.) – a television broadcast
Example: All channels aired a live telecast of the match.

2. consecutive / kənˈsɛk yə tɪv / (adj.) – following a continuous series
Example: She won first place for three consecutive years, from 2011 to 2013.

3. make it big / ˈmeɪk ɪt bɪg / (idiom) – to gain great success in something
Example: Great athletes make it big in the Olympics.

4. scene / sin / (n.) – a particular industry or field
Example: My cousin is well-known in the international boxing scene.

5. induct / ɪnˈdʌkt / (v.) – to make someone a member of an organization or group through a formal ceremony
Example: The best student athletes were inducted into the university’s hall of fame.

Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Fifty African countries will now have access to telecasts of the English Premier League games for free.

Econet Media, an African broadcasting company, acquired broadcasting rights to air selected games from the League. Owned by Zimbabwe’s richest man, Strive Masiyiwa, Econet Media can now broadcast one of the league’s Saturday matches live through the company’s sports platform, Kwese Sports. The broadcasting rights would cover three consecutive Premier League seasons, beginning with the 2016-2017 league.

Before the deal, the rights to broadcasting most sports events, including the Premier League, belonged primarily to another broadcasting company called Supersport. Access to Supersport’s channel costs around $40 to $100 a month. With the new Econet deal, however, the Premier League can be viewed for free, thus making it more accessible to African sports fans.

Africa is home to many players who have made it big in the international football scene. As many as 246 talented football players have joined various Premier League clubs since the League started in 1992.

The first African to join the English Premier League was Peter Ndlovu, a player from Zimbabwe who played for Coventry City Football Club for six seasons. He scored a total of 43 goals throughout his time playing for Coventry City.

During his 13-season term, he transferred to various English teams before retiring in 2009. In 2011, he returned to his hometown to help develop football in Zimbabwe. In 2015, Ndlovu was inducted to the Zimbabwe Sports Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance in the English League and his contributions to football in Africa.


Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What are the possible effects of airing English Premier League matches in Africa for free?
·         How can fans show support for their favorite English Premier League football clubs?

Discussion B


·         Are there athletes from your country who are internationally acclaimed? In what sport/s do they excel in?
·         How does the government support athletes from your country?

May 16, 2016