The Congress of the People is cautiously optimistic that the current mess at Athletics South Africa is on the road to being resolved with Ray Mali today taking up the administration of the ailing body.

The only potential roadblock to this internationally renowned sports administrator completing his task is ASA's suspended board members and senior managers resisting his installment as administrator. One of his first tasks will be the facilitation of an election of an interim board.

His work with Cricket South Africa, then the International Cricket Council speaks for itself. The disaffected and suspended members of ASA must submit to the legal authority of a representative of SASCOC, the mother body of the federation. Anything other than full co-operation would be a further stain on the reputation of Athletics South Africa.

COPE will watch developments unfold with great interest. We trust that Mr Mali, an administrator of high repute with previous experience in dispute resolution, will not look to politicise the process and ASA.