ASA interim boss John Mathane denies allegations of interfering in James Moloi disciplinary case

The claims were made by disciplinary committee chairman and Eastern Athletics president Selby Thabethe, who accused Mathane and two unnamed ASA board members of trying to influence the outcome of Moloi’s disciplinary hearing.

According to Thabethe, Mathane allegedly instructed him to “get rid” of Moloi before the hearing process began.

He also claimed that two other ASA board members made similar requests. Thabethe told SABC Sport show on Metro FM that he plans to reveal the names of the other officials during the ASA council meeting scheduled for 20 June.

The disciplinary committee had initially recommended that Moloi be cleared and return to office, but that decision was later overturned by the ASA board. Mathane has been serving as acting president for the past seven months.

Speaking to the national broadcaster, Mathane dismissed the accusations as false and baseless, however, Thabethe insists that he has proof to back his claims.

“That is not true. I did no such thing. I don’t know what this man is talking about,” said Mathane.

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“Yes, I would like to become president permanently if I get the support, but I would never stoop that low and sabotage Moloi in that way.”

Mathane admitted that some people had encouraged him to take over the presidency permanently following the press conference he called last week but insisted he had no involvement in influencing the disciplinary process.

“I have received calls from people saying I should take over the job, and yes, I am interested. But I would never interfere with the hearing,” he added.

The Athletics Gauteng North president also said ASA is facing serious governance challenges and that his focus is on stabilising the federation.

Meanwhile, Thabethe maintained that there is a campaign within the ASA leadership against Moloi.

“I can confirm that Mathane and two other board members told me to get rid of Moloi. They told me that I must make sure that Moloi does not return a president. They are influencing the disciplinary hearings. I am on record about their influence. They called me and told me to remove him. The man deserves a proper hearing,” said Thabethe.