'I'm supporting my KZNA brothers' - Mokoena wins court case to contest ASA but says he won't go for President or deputy

Former KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) President Sello Mokoena has won his case against KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) after he took the federation to court for removing his name from the ballot paper for the upcoming Athletics South Africa (ASA) elections. In the matter which was heard at the Durban High Court this morning (Thursday 29 May), Mokoena argued that KZNA failed to act in fairness by omitting his name from their submissions for the national election when he was a member in good standing. 

Mokoena had been nominated by Fast Feet Athletics Club to run for President, Vice-President and Additional Member at the elections which take place at the OR Tambo Garden Court Hotel on Saturday 31 May. Even though ASA opted to settle the matter out of court and granted Mokoena permission to contest the election, KZNA put it to the court Mokoena's nomination acceptance letter although submitted on time, was sent it the wrong email address. .  

Mokoena will contest the ASA Elections after getting the go ahead from the Durban High Court. Photo Credit: Supplied.

In delivering judgement, Acting Judge Nako who heard the matter in the City of eThekwini, said she felt that there is no reason for KZNA to block Mokoena especially with ASA having accepted his nomination. She further notified the both parties to cover their own court costs. Speaking outside court, a visibly elated Mokoena told media that having to go to court in the first place was unnecessary. 

"I'm happy that the court have granted the ruling in my favour. I was positive before coming here that I have applied all the necessary steps to have my nomination stand. The next step now is to go to Johannesburg to speak to all the nominated candidates. From there, I'll get to hear their objectives and take it from there. The most important thing is to work with people with vision and avoid fights. Overall, I'm pleased with how things panned out today," said the former KZNA President who now runs the Wildniss Academy whose focus is on developing young athletes. 

Mokoena who was represented by Mc Naught & Co Attorneys, further explained that he has no intentions of contesting for President and Vice-President positions. His major focus will be to be elected as an additional member on the ASA Board. 

"I won't go for President as Aleck Skhosana who comes from my province is going for it. The same applies to the deputy president because Steve Mkasi is targeting it. Being an additional member is what I'm looking for. I'm supporting our brothers from the province and I won't go against them," he concluded.