Cecilia Molokwane: The silence was to protect the dignity of the sport

Molokwane was suspended in April by the world governing body on allegations of professional misconduct and mismanagement of funds.

She, however, announced yesterday afternoon that she is resuming her position with immediate effect at a press briefing held in Polokwane.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Molokwane says it was crucial for her to allow the Baby Proteas time to compete in the World Cup before expressing her side of the story in response to the suspension.

“Now I have to tell the truth, for months I have been silent because I wanted to follow the correct procedure and show respect for the players. The players needed to focus on competing in international championships.

“I wanted the under-21s to go to the World Cup, and I was threatened that if I said something, NSA would be suspended from all netball activities.

“As a former player myself, I have missed out on crucial opportunities, and did not want our Baby Proteas to experience the same thing,’’ said Molokwane.

READ: Mokoena admits World Cup qualification comes as a massive relief

Molokwane says there’s never been a formal hearing to address the allegations laid against her and believes this has become a delay tactic to sideline her from contesting for a third term in office at the upcoming executive elections.

“There hasn’t been a formal hearing after being suspended, and I can confirm that there were no formal charges laid against me.

“There is also circulating news that this matter is in court, which is not true. I have never faced the court of law as far as this matter is concerned,” added Molkwane.

Molokwane further explains that a suspension in any federation must have a specific timeline - stating that she is surprised that six months later the matter is still pending with no clear directive…

“I have now been suspended for six months. This is not a process; it is punishment. Even after we had heard from the SASCOC president that the matter would be concluded in seven weeks, it still did not happen,’’ she concluded.