- Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth challenged SuperSport presenters Thomas Mlambo and Phumudzo Manenzhe on air over alleged bias towards Orlando Pirates
- A clip from the Extra Time TV episode circulated on social media on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, sparking debate among South African football supporters
- Viewers on X raised separate concerns about how different clubs are represented during football broadcasts on South African television
Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth publicly confronted SuperSport presenters Thomas Mlambo and Phumudzo Manenzhe during a live episode of Extra Time TV, questioning what he described as a bias towards Orlando Pirates in South African football broadcasting.
Source: Getty Images
A clip from the programme began circulating on social media on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, reigniting a familiar debate about impartiality among football pundits and television analysts in the country.
Booth reminds presenters who won the PSL title
The on-air exchange unfolded after a host made reference to the relief of winning a trophy at home in South Africa. When the conversation appeared to veer towards a particular season's PSL title, Booth pushed back firmly.
"No, no, no, no," he said, and repeated the objection as the host continued. He then cut through the discussion with a direct reminder:
"Last season's PSL title went to Orlando Pirates in case you didn't remember."
The host replied,
"Well, that was a long way for you," as the exchange drew further attention to tensions around how rival clubs are discussed during broadcasts.
Booth's remarks formed part of a broader conversation about coverage standards and whether South African football presenters maintain the neutrality expected of their roles.
Watch the clip on X below.
Viewers question broadcaster impartiality
The episode drew responses on X after user Commander!!! (@maetsebane) posted about Booth's criticism, framing it as a challenge to Mlambo and Manenzhe over perceived favouritism towards Orlando Pirates. The post distinguished former players, who may openly support a club, and working presenters, who are held to a different standard of impartiality.
X user Nhlanhla (@Nhlanhla_Mpondi) argued that certain analysts appeared to favour specific clubs in their commentary. He also questioned how broadcasters select on-air talent, suggesting that positions should be advertised openly so that candidates can compete on merit.
A separate concern was raised by supporter Thabo Rehlamfu (@rehlamfu_thabo), who described an incident during a broadcast featuring Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. He claimed that presenter Thabiso Tema repeatedly referenced Sundowns' score while Pirates' results were communicated selectively during a Chiefs match.
Matthew Booth and Bongani Mthombeni’s pic divides SA
Briefly News previously reported that former Bafana Bafana star Matthew Booth and his girlfriend Bongani Mthombeni recently shared a photo that sparked widespread reactions on social media
The couple’s relationship has been controversial, especially following a publicised “cheesecake scandal” in 2022 involving Booth’s then-wife.
Source: Briefly News
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