Khanyile and Mazibuko early leaders in CGA Presidential race

If the number of nominating clubs are anything to go by then Steven Khanyile and Thokozani Mazibuko are the frontrunners in the race to become the next president of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA). Even though he has been automatically nominated to stand by virtue being the sitting president, James Moloi is expected to step down after taking over as Athletics South Africa (ASA) boss last May which means that a total of five candidates have officially signed up to take on Moloi in the March 5 elections.

Khanyile, Mazibuko, Boyce Joko and two women in Queen Fatima Mofokeng and Karabo Mabilo have put their hands up to lead the regional sports body. A total of fourteen clubs nominated Khanyile, while Mazibuko enjoys the official backing of twelve. Five clubs have endorsed Joko's candidacy, while three and two are behind Mofokeng and Mabilo respectively.

Having lead CGA's cross country commission for 18 years and with a history in the sport dating back to the 1980's, Khanyile is counting on his experience to carry him to victory. "I have served athletics for a long time and I am able to see which direction we have to take when it comes to moving ourselves to another level in terms of growth. I have served as a team manager up to national level where I was part of the Cross Country team to the World Championships in 2017. Even at the schools I have been there, actually some people just take me as a face of athletics," said the principal of the famed Morris Isaacson School in Soweto.

For Mazibuko, he believes that the values which have guided him since he first became active in athletics administration in 2006 are what make him a good candidate to take the provincial sports federation to the next level. "It's very simple; commitment, being trustworthy, honesty and the ability to lead, learn and listen," was his answer when he was asked about the characteristics that a good sports administrator must have.

Although Khanyile and Mazibuko appear to be the early leaders, it would be a mistake to base their likely performance at the polls solely upon the number of nominating clubs. Some clubs for example have shied away from openly backing any one candidate but are known to be key cogs in the campaign machinery of a certain nominee. The proof will be in the pudding which will be ready for all to taste on the 5th of March.