Hendricks denies blocking Ravele’s nomination citing inexperience

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) acting president Barry Hendricks has responded to claims by veteran sports administrator Ntambi Ravele that he’s been trying to block her from getting nominations for SASCOC presidency.

Ravele told SABC Sport on Monday that Hendricks tried to discourage Tennis South Africa (TSA) from nominating her for the SASCOC presidential position ahead of the end of the election of next month.

With the nominations closing on Friday, these allegations against Hendricks are very serious.

He’s denied that he’s blocking Ravele from standing for Presidency but doesn’t deny that he said the former Boxing South Africa (BSA) chairperson and Netball South Africa President lacks experience.

Audio: Hendricks claims Ravele is inexperienced

The spotlight is on SASCOC to do everything by the book especially after the shenanigans that came out of the Zulman report which found a lot of maladministration and corruption within the macro sports body.

Hendricks, who took over on interim basis from Gideon Sam who retired in December, is also standing for the presidency. He says anyone can be nominated for the SASCOC board and presidency.

There’s also been an allegation that Hendricks is trying to influence some federations on who to nominate or not to endorse their nominations ahead of the closing date on Friday.

The former Gauteng Sports Council chairperson again denies these allegations and encourages aspiring candidates to stand.

The position of the Presidency is likely to tightly contested with Athletics South Africa (ASA) President Aleck Skhosana also believed to be throwing in his name into the hat.

And there’s a possibility of other stronger candidates for the board with the Zulman Inquiry also having been clear on the co-opting of two independent board members. Ravele says maybe the original plan for some was to eliminate competition.

Audio: Ravele accuses Hendricks

Whilst the buildup to these elections is underway, the sad story of preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics later this year in Japan with SASCOC struggling financially is also affecting the athletes’ preparations.

Ravele who is now a non-voting member of TSA, also agrees that SASCOC is running against time to prepare for the Olympics. 

Audio: Ravele & Hendricks on Marawa Sports Worldwide with Robert Marawa

– Report by Velile Mnyandu