Last week?s resignation of Premier Soccer League (PSL) General Manager Ace Ncobo is further testimony that South African sports is in dire need of real leaders, writes iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane.

Not so long ago the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) took over the control of Athletics South Africa (ASA) after accusing ASA of failing to handle the Caster Semenya issue correctly.

Prior to that the South African Football Association (Safa) was embroiled in controversy following the PSL's refusal to acknowledge the newly elected Safa executive.

At one stage South African Rugby Union (Saru) President Oregon Haskins was accused of failing to transform SA rugby and there were also fears that he was on the verge of stepping down.

As if that was not enough, last week Ncobo decided to step down from his post as PSL General Manager for football after failing a polygraph test.

Ncobo was quoted in the media as saying the PSL is 'rotten to the core' with match fixing, but the former whistle man refused to elaborate any further.

These accusations have left so many unanswered questions, which only Ncobo can answer, but unfortunately he is either scared or has no evidence to support his claims.

The ASA Board's decision to retain Leonard Chuene ? who openly admitted to lying to South Africa about the testing on Semenya ? also left many wondering as to whether Chuene has something on the board.

South African sports bodies do not need leaders like Ncobo and Chuene, but rather need true leaders who will stand up for the truth. Leaders who will lead by example, not cowards who will run away or promise 'to spill the beans' once the heat is turned up.

But there seems to be little hope of that happening because the sports ministry, which often comments on rugby related issues, has failed to show leadership.

But one can always get solace from the fact that the Springboks and the Proteas are doing well ? and maybe one day Bafana Bafana will follow suit ? despite the lack of leadership at Saru and Cricket South Africa.

  • Do you agree with Khaya? Does SA sport need leaders or is it in good hands? Let us know what YOU think!