ASA’s Mali gets tough

STEVEN TAU

JOHANNESBURG - Ray Mali who has been tasked to administer the day-to-day running of embattled Athletics South Africa (ASA), yesterday warned that if suspended ASA members come back, a hard line will have to be taken to protect the interests of athletes.

He was responding to reports about suspended ASA general manager Molatelo Malehopo apparently locking certain rooms and offices at the athletics body’s offices in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Monday.

Speaking to The Citizen in a telephone interview yesterday, Mali said that if it came to a push, Sascoc would approach the High Court for an interdict to prevent disgruntled ASA members from interfering with administrative duties.

He said Malehopo had left the ASA building shortly after their meeting on Monday morning.

“He gave us a letter from his lawyers which said that Sascoc did not have the jurisdiction to suspend him because he was not elected by Sascoc,” said Mali.

A day after the ASA sent a legal letter to Sascoc, claiming that the athletics mother body does not have the powers to suspend them, it prompted Sascoc to suspend ASA as its member.

According to Mali, at least four ASA board members have resigned.

“I want to convene a meeting with all the provinces this coming weekend where an interim structure (board) will be elected,” said Mali.

Malehopo, Leonard Chuene and other ASA board members were suspended for their handling of the Caster Semenya gender debacle.