James Moloi to challenge Aleck Skhosana for ASA top job

Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) president James Moloi will challenge Aleck Skhosana for Athletics South Africa's (ASA) top job at the federation's eagerly awaited elections due to take place on 8 May at the Southern Sun Hotel in Kempton Park. In a letter seen by #TheTopRunner last night, Moloi has received endorsements from seven provinces while three provinces are backing Skhosana.

The Top Runner has also learned that five additional provinces are also likely to back Moloi, as they want to see a change in the sport. Skhosana has been criticised for his approach to the return of competitions after the onset of the Covid-19 lockdown which saw athletics resume after contact sport such as football and rugby, with serious financial implications for regional federations who were unable to organise even small running events as a result of the national body's stance. Moloi on the other hand has been credited for the excellent job that he did for CGA in the last twelve months. The Gauteng-based federation hosted more events than any other province during the lockdown and did so under safe and strict Covid-19 regulations.

This is how the voting will work. 68 votes will be cast on the big day and the official with the highest votes will win. ASA board members present will each have the opportunity to cast one vote per member which will bring the total to 12 votes. Each of the 17 provincial federations can then cast two votes, which are equal to 34 votes. Six associates members present will cast one vote per person. Members of the commission one vote per member excluding the chairpersons, which brings the number to 16 votes. Honorary members are not allowed to vote and that leaves the total number of votes that will be cast on the day at 68.

As things stand, Moloi looks like the favourite to win the ASA presidency from the incumbent. When initially contacted by #TheTopRunner Skhosana played his cards close to his chest, refusing to neither confirm nor deny whether he would be running for another term or not. However the secret is now out as he will contest for the presidency again, as he seeks to extend his reign at the helm of athletics in the country to ten years.

So far as the other positions are concerned, Harold Adams, Motlatsi Keikabile, and Shireen Noble will contest the vice-presidency positionNewly appointed SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) athletes commission chairperson and board member Khotso Mokoena, will take on Gauteng Athletics North's newly elected AGN (Athletics Gauteng North) president Hendrick Mokganyetsi, former AGN boss John Mathane, Morna van der Merwe and Zangamele Dyubeni for the ASA athletes commission position. Mokoena has been vocal about his desire to serve the athletes and is considered the favourite to win the position. 2017 SA Sports Awards coach of the year winner Jean Verster is challenging for the cross-country position where he is expected to face a stern challenge from Jakes Jacobs and Steven Khanyile.

ASA Elections Nomination List

President

Aleck Skhosana

James Moloi

Vice-President

Harold Adams

Motlatsi Keikabile

Shereen Noble

Commission chairperson

Khotso Mokoena

Hendrick Mokganyetsi

John Mathane

Morna van der Merwe

Zongamele Dyubeni

Cross-country

Jean Verster

Jakes Jacobs

Steven Khanyile

Road Running

James Moloi

Enoch Skhosana

Paul Bester

Celi Mokhoba

Ntathu Gwadiso

Dorah Mngwevu

Track and Field

Jean Verster

John Mathane

Sabata Kumalo

Pieter Lourens

Mangetha Zwane

Kakata Maponyane