Sam insists Africa is fully behind Semenya in battle with the IAAF

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) president Gideon Sam has dismissed a growing perception that the continent has turned its back on Caster Semenya and that the Olympic champion is battling the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on her own in Switzerland.

The silence has been deafening from the African countries which could be affected by the IAAF’s proposed rules changes.

But Sam said nothing could be further from the truth and insisted that the continent was behind Semenya.

“Africa is behind us in this important matter and they have always been in the past‚” he said.

“It may not be in the media but I can assure everyone that Africa is behind us. It is not correct for people to comment that there is no support for Caster on the continent.”

Sports minister Tokozile Xasa was due to fly out to Switzerland on Wednesday night to join the team of experts that have been assembled in support of Semenya.

“Upon my arrival in Switzerland‚ my responsibility will be to convey the message of support from President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of cabinet‚” Xasa said.

She would also listen to the deliberations, engage with the media and address the international community. –