Matthew Booth Calls Out SuperSport's Mlambo and Manenzhe Over Orlando Pirates Bias Claims
- 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
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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.
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"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.
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Source: Briefly News
