of Africa’s biggest fixed line operators, would be the official mobile partner of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the next five years, it was announced on Wednesday.

The agreement covers all mobile voice and data products to be used by the PSL under the 8ta’s “081 prefix” and extensive branding and marketing activities.

The agreement provides 8ta with exclusivity in the implementation of additional mobile platforms, mobile payment offerings, fan community tools and other mobile applications on behalf of the PSL.

Cambridge Mokanyane, the PSL acting chief executive officer, said the new deal was part of the PSL’s continuous pursuit to connect with South Africa’s massive and passionate football community.

“The PSL and Telkom share similar values and beliefs in that we both seek to connect people all over not only in South Africa, but globally as well,” Mokonyane told the media briefing.

The PSL planned to build exciting new channels and platforms for the fans who keep the game of soccer so vibrant, Mokanyane said in a statement.

Manelisa Mavuso, the managing director of consumer and retail services at Telkom, said this agreement enabled the company to deepen and extend its commitment to the sport of soccer and the local soccer community.

“Telkom’s existing involvement in soccer through the Telkom Knockout has been highly successful,” Mavuso said.

“The Telkom Knockout has also succeeded in rallying the soccer fraternity, enabling them to enjoy not only the game itself, but also its associated benefits in the coming together of people and sharing in something larger than the individual.”