Khoza explains Sascoc withdrawal

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The 'Iron Duke' was nominated for the presidency SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) by an unknown party, but withdrew from the race today.

Safa CEO Robin Petersen confirmed that Safa nominated three soccer officials – Mubarak Mahomed, already a Sascoc board member, Kirsten Nematandani and Nomsa Mahlangu – and Gideon Sam for president.

If Khoza had won the presidential vote, Safa's other three nominees would have been disqualified because sports bodies cannot have more than one representative on Sascoc's board.

In a statement the PSL reveals that Khoza accepted the nomination in time to make the closing date with the understanding that he would use the time before the elections to "apply his mind on the implications of his running".

"After applying his mind, Dr Khoza has opted to withdraw his nominations and to support Mr Gideon Sam and his executive," the PSL continues.

"Dr Khoza would like to thank those that approached him for nomination. He is particularly heartened by their confidence and belief in his ability to make a contribution. He accepted their nomination based on his willingness to serve.

"It is Dr Khoza's firm belief that sport is a 'game-changer' that has the ability and reach to shape behaviour and lives, interventions that he knows are needed to build our new nation into a winning nation in the world."

The Orlando Pirates and PSL chairman says he believes Sam should be supported, after South Africa's success at the London Olympics.

"I have applied my mind on the implication of my standing for the Sascoc presidency and all other nominations," Khoza says. "My thinking included the encouraging results from the London Olympics. I believe that Mr Gideon Sam and his executive have achieved a base on which they should be supported to build further.

"My experience is that it takes more than one term to stabilise an organisation into sustainable winning ways. I am therefore throwing my lot behind Mr Sam and his executive. I wish them luck over and above the hard work and dedication I know it takes to succeed."