The Corner Flag: Athletes should take the spotlight, not administrators

I recently attended a press briefing held by a group of concerned athletics administrators and athletes in Milpark, where the Athletics South Africa (ASA) leadership was ordered to resign within seven days.

They cited deep-rooted governance failures and alleged misuse of funds after Parliament’s sport, arts and culture portfolio committee alleged that ASA President James Moloi had used the federation’s money for personal gain.

Moloi is said to have swiped the ASA credit card at various taverns, liquor stores and a clothing retailer.

While the group’s concerns are valid and they are well within their right to demand accountability and rolling of heads to ensure the country’s athletics governing body is run effectively, I couldn’t help but wonder what the motive was behind the briefing.

Former Two Oceans Marathon winner Israel Morake and athlete Keneilwe Sesing spoke about how it pains them to see the sport in its current state and athletes suffering while administrators continue to live large.

But whose interests is the group pushing? The group includes a former ASA board member who endorsed an ex-ASA president in the ASA May election.

Are they a faction who lost in the election?

Yes, the administrative issues within ASA are a concern for anyone who loves the sport, but was this group borne out of hurt and disgruntlement after the election?

Athletics needs to be saved. But we can’t be naïve and believe that anyone who scratches the surface about deep-rooted ASA issues requiring radical changes at a press conference has the sport’s best interest at heart.

I know a lot of people who love the sport to the core and have worked tirelessly to ensure it runs effectively. I’m not going to claim to be one, but I have done my fair share in my capacity as a journalist by giving athletes exposure at national and Central Gauteng events.

It’s no secret that ASA needs structural changes. Anything to the contrary will further fail athletes, including our young talents Chelsea van Dyk, Siyanda Madlabane and Matthew Pietroiusti.

If South Africa is serious about reclaiming its place among the sport’s global powerhouses, then the focus must shift decisively and unapologetically towards the athlete.

It’s time ASA shifted the spotlight to the real stars – the runner, walker, jumper and thrower – not the ones in the boardrooms.

For too long, administrative wrangling and short-term fixes – like leadership change demands — have overshadowed the needs of those who toe the line and chase the tape.

Looking at how we are currently faring globally with a system that is not athlete-centred, can you imagine the chaos we would create with a system that supports, guides and empowers athletes?

A truly athlete-centred ASA could be a game-changer. It would be able to unlock raw talent, nurturing performance and restoring belief that South Africans can once again stand tall on the world stage like Hendrick Ramaala, Josiah Thugwana and Elana Meyer and others did in the early days of our democracy.

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