'We have to take CGA to another level' - Khanyile enters CGA Presidential race

Steven Khanyile believes that he is the man to lead Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) into the future. After 18 years leading the organisation's cross country commission, the principal of the famed Morris Isaacson School in Soweto thinks its time to step up to the hot seat as incumbent James Moloi is expected to step down to focus on his role as President of Athletics South Africa (ASA).

"I will be standing in the position. I just didn't decide to stand as President at CGA. I stood as a President when people nominated me in 2018, but I didn't win the election. But this time people decided to call me and ask me to stand. For instance a certain area called me and had a meeting whereby all the clubs in that area said: 'we are here calling you to ask you to stand and become our president.' I agreed after checking what it is that they want me to stand for," he told #TheTopRunner.

One of the main things that the Founder and Chairperson of Take it Easy Athletic Club brings is a long history in the sport that dates back to his days as a top runner in Soweto running shoulder to shoulder with greats such Matthews Motshwarateu. This love for athletics started during his school days when he was elected a house captain during inter house athletics. Khanyile would go on to run for Ebony Athletics Club before joining Varsity Kudus in 1989 and later the Rand Athletic Club (RAC) where he was recognized as the club's best cross country athlete in 1993.

But more than simply loving the sport, Khanyile thinks that he is the right man to lead because he stands for professionalism. "I will make sure that as I stand I don't disappoint people because I want to make sure that I bring what I think is important for any organisation - professionalism. Transparency is also important to ensuring that we lead the province to greater heights. We have to take CGA to another level," he emphasized pointing to organising safe CGA cross country trials during the height of the third wave in January 2021 as evidence of his abilities.

For Khanyile, taking the provincial federation to greater heights means empowering people to do the job. "I know that it will be easy for me if I get people that are willing to work. I want to make sure that the technical officials, the coaches and everyone that is dealing with development they really gain a lot out of the leadership at CGA," explained the the man who is in possession of an IAAF Level 2 coaching qualification.

Ultimately the man who also served on ASA's interim board between 2013 and 2014 believes that it is his skill and experience as an administrator is his main advantage. "I think I have very good leadership skills, management and administration. I am well trained in terms of financial management because finances is what we need to work on. I'm a very good negotiator because I have even served at union level in my job. We must deal with the real issues so for it's very important that we kill conflicts and lead people in the right direction," he concluded.

The CGA Elections take place in March, with the final list of candidates due to today after which point CGA General Manager Mandla Radebe will 21 days to do all the necessary verification work before publishing a final list of candidates who will run for the 11 CGA Board positions. At this stage, Khanyile is up against Thokozani Mazibuko and Boyce Mfuneko Joko who will also contest for the presidency.