This is exactly why sports in South Africa struggle to reach their potential. When governing bodies are run by political appointees rather than sports professionals, corruption isn't just possible — it's inevitable.
The ASA situation is the latest in a long line of scandals. Suspending officials instead of firing them, keeping them on full pay, and expecting them to police themselves is a joke. World Athletics had to force their hand because they knew the local board wouldn't act.
The SAFA president being reelected while facing fraud charges is absurd. It shows how entrenched these networks are. FIFA's money keeps the ship afloat, but it doesn't fix the rot underneath.
Your point about Cricket being next is spot on. When you have non-cricket people running cricket, problems are guaranteed. They don't understand the culture, the players, or the game itself.
The Clairwood Racecourse story is telling too. People don't want volunteer positions because they know the real money is in the connections and side deals. It's not about passion for the sport — it's about access.
Until these bodies are run by people who actually care about the sport rather than using it for personal gain, South African sports will continue to underperform.
RE: South African Sports Governing Bodies An Excuse To Steal And Abuse