Johannesburg - Two sporting bodies have welcomed Fikile Mbalula's appointment as sports minister, saying he would hopefully avoid the mistakes of his predecessor.
The SA Football Players Union said on Monday sports in country had been in shambles for a very long time. "We hope the appointment of Mbalula will help to revive the image, the excellence and pride of South African sports," the union said in a statement.
"Our sports ministry needs someone who is energetic and a person who is not afraid to take decisions or intervene where necessary."
Mbalula replaced Makhenkesi Stofile as part of President Jacob Zuma's Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday. SA Athletics was equally optimistic over Mbalula's appointment. "No longer will we have a minister who hides behind the success of the rugby and cricket sports codes while neglecting all others," the organisation said.
"We hope Comrade Mbalula will be a minister of all sports and not just a minister of Rugby and cricket like Rev Stofile."
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/Sports-bodies-optimistic-over-Mbalula-20101101
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