In the high-stakes arena of athletics administration, James Moloi, was re-elected as president of Athletics South Africa (ASA) at the federation’s quadrennial general meeting in Kempton Park.
Moloi now laces up for another four-year lap around the track determined to break records beyond the finish line of routine leadership.
The former middle distance athlete surged ahead of rival and former ASA president Aleck Skhosana, clinching the victory at the Southern Sun Hotel in Johannesburg.
Though the final margin remained under wraps, the vote sent a clear message: the baton remains in Moloi’s hands.
“I’m thankful for the support shown by the council, which shows that we’ve done well over the last four years,” said Moloi.
“Now I’m going to do my level best to uplift the sport even further and bring more events to South Africa.”
The Starting Gun of a New Race
Moloi’s second term kicks off with a full stadium of expectations. The new ASA board may have crossed the election finish line, but now the real relay begins. With sponsorship drives, administrative stability, and unity on the agenda, Moloi has set his sights on building a winning team from the inside out.
“In most cases, we went to different companies in 2022 and 2023, and most of them told us straight away that we needed to be stable and deliver results,” he explained, reflecting on past hurdles.
“But now, when we visit these companies, we can say: ‘Please join us — our athletes are doing very well.”
Just as a long-distance runner needs steady pacing and endurance, Moloi knows the importance of momentum.
“We will go out of our way to try to get new sponsors for track and field, road running, and everything else, so our athletes can receive incentives going forward,” he added.
“We are also going to unite the board. The board is going to be solid because these guys have a lot of experience.”
Building a Championship Team
One of Moloi’s first hurdles is a critical one: hiring a permanent CEO—a post left in limbo for the past four years with Terrence Magogodela in an acting role. For Moloi, this isn’t just a routine handoff. It’s a sprint to secure the federation’s core.
“That’s the number one point on my agenda, immediately after we’ve met with the board,” he emphasized.
“Because when I go to Parliament, that’s the first thing they’re going to ask. I’m going to move as fast as I can to appoint a new CEO so we can stabilise this organisation. We can’t wait.”
Team Line-up: A Roster with Depth
Joining Moloi on the leadership podium is newly elected vice-president John Mathane, president of Athletics Gauteng North. Meanwhile, Kesa Molotsane, a long-distance runner with strategic stride, will chair the Athletes’ Commission after serving as deputy.
Veteran administrators Jakes Jacobs (Cross Country), Enoch Skosana (Road Running), and Jean Verster (Track and Field) return to their positions, anchoring the board with experience and institutional knowledge.
The four additional board members rounding out the squad are Esther Malema and Adelina Seipati Ranthimo (both retained), and newcomers Johanita Bester and Mike Masepe.
Newly elected ASA Board Photo: Cecilia van Bers
The Endgame: Professionalism and Unity
Like a coach urging his team through the final turn, SASCOC president Barry Hendricks delivered a powerful halftime talk to the new board: “Your role is to look at your vision for the next four years — what targets you’re going to set, what challenges you’ll overcome, and what weaknesses you can eliminate — because that’s what will determine whether or not you’ll be successful at the end of 2028.”
He didn’t mince words about the importance of unity: “We need a unified approach from all the provinces, so put your firm belief as a federation behind this board. It is their time to elevate the organisation to another, more professional level.”
Finishing Strong—and Starting Fresh
Despite the victory, not everything felt like a lap of honour. Central Gauteng Athletics and Athletics Free State’s withdrawal from the nominations left Moloi with a bruised heart, reminding him that the race to build an inclusive, democratic federation is far from over.
“Unfortunately, my heart is sore because some members were denied the chance to contest the elections,” he said.
“We will strengthen our constitution to ensure this doesn’t happen again in the future.”
In a sport where every millisecond counts and every step is measured, James Moloi understands the value of timing, teamwork, and tenacity.
His next term won’t be a jog in the park—it’s a marathon of reform, strategy, and results. And with the starter pistol now fired, he’s off—running full tilt toward a stronger, faster, and more unified Athletics South Africa.
