COMMENT by Bongani Magasela
COMMENT by Bongani Magasela
Dali Mpofu's announcement last week that he would not be available for another term as chairman of BSA was a harmonious song to many members of the boxing fraternity - me included.
Mpofu's term ends on May 31. Two months is a very long time for the man who demonstrated his stance towards boxing.
Mpofu once boxed, I am told, (but as an amateur under Loyiso Mtya) but later became Mtya's assistant (a bucket man, to be precise).
Mpofu was appointed by Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile three years ago and his appointment was welcomed by members of this downtrodden sport.
Boxing had never had someone to speak on its behalf and Mpofu was expected to assist in that regard.
He took over the seat vacated by Mthobi Tyamzashe. That was a man among men and his track record at the helm speaks for itself: BSA number three; green blazers for champions and life skills courses for boxers, trainers, managers, referees or judges and promoters at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria. What footprint is Mpofu leaving behind?
My several requests for interviews fell on deaf ears. I ended up assuming that his ally, Mtya, could have influenced his boss not to speak to Sowetan.
Mpofu remained in his cocoon even when problems had piled up at BSA after the suspension of Krish Naidoo. Was that not a clear demonstration of his hatred for boxing?
Being the chief executive of SABC, boxing should have been riding the crest of the wave in terms of airtime, but instead SABC continued to buck the trend by showing one fight late at night. That was a recipe for the death of boxing in the townships.
Mpofu said BSA had turned the corner, but I wonder which one when it is still losing about R60000 every month to Naidoo.
It is not only the boxing fraternity that cannot stand him, but the soccer family as well.
Remember the SABC/SuperSport/PSL television rights saga. You mention Mpofu's name to soccer enthusiasts at your peril. Hit the road, Jack.
Hit the road, Jack, departing Mpofu told
COMMENT by Bongani Magasela
COMMENT by Bongani Magasela
Dali Mpofu's announcement last week that he would not be available for another term as chairman of BSA was a harmonious song to many members of the boxing fraternity - me included.
Mpofu's term ends on May 31. Two months is a very long time for the man who demonstrated his stance towards boxing.
Mpofu once boxed, I am told, (but as an amateur under Loyiso Mtya) but later became Mtya's assistant (a bucket man, to be precise).
Mpofu was appointed by Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile three years ago and his appointment was welcomed by members of this downtrodden sport.
Boxing had never had someone to speak on its behalf and Mpofu was expected to assist in that regard.
He took over the seat vacated by Mthobi Tyamzashe. That was a man among men and his track record at the helm speaks for itself: BSA number three; green blazers for champions and life skills courses for boxers, trainers, managers, referees or judges and promoters at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria. What footprint is Mpofu leaving behind?
My several requests for interviews fell on deaf ears. I ended up assuming that his ally, Mtya, could have influenced his boss not to speak to Sowetan.
Mpofu remained in his cocoon even when problems had piled up at BSA after the suspension of Krish Naidoo. Was that not a clear demonstration of his hatred for boxing?
Being the chief executive of SABC, boxing should have been riding the crest of the wave in terms of airtime, but instead SABC continued to buck the trend by showing one fight late at night. That was a recipe for the death of boxing in the townships.
Mpofu said BSA had turned the corner, but I wonder which one when it is still losing about R60000 every month to Naidoo.
It is not only the boxing fraternity that cannot stand him, but the soccer family as well.
Remember the SABC/SuperSport/PSL television rights saga. You mention Mpofu's name to soccer enthusiasts at your peril. Hit the road, Jack.
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