Elite athletes lash out

Elite athletes lashed out at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) board on Saturday after supporting a protest march to the federation’s office.

National 100m record holder Simon Magakwe, right, claimed the embattled federation was not providing enough support.

“The athletes are suffering because nothing has changed since 2009. We don’t have sponsors because of ASA board members,” Magakwe said

Lebo Phalula, who represented SA five times at the World Cross Country Championships, insisted the board should step down.

“We want a new board, new people who understand athletics and who will take care of us.”

Legendary Athletes of SA (Lasa) president Xolile Yawa believed confl ict among administrators was damaging the sport. Lasa called for ASA general elections by February, and said they wanted a response from the governing body by the end of the month.

Andre Gobey, speaking for the ASA board, apologised to the athletes for the poor state and image of the sport. He admitted the sport had been split into dual factions and while he did not believe the entire board needed to be replaced, he conceded change was needed.

“We need more financial knowledge, people who understand corporate governance.”