By Fakir Hassen, IANS,
Johannesburg : The Board of Cricket South Africa (CSA) Thursday evening released a statement confirming full confidence in its chief executive officer, Gerald Majola; while also accepting the resignation of controversial president Norman Arendse.
“The Board of Cricket South Africa notes and accepts the resignation of Norman Arendse as president of Cricket South Africa as of 1500 hrs Wednesday, 17 Sep 2008,” the statement read.
“The Board wishes to express its grave disappointment at statements made against our CEO and certain Board members by Arendse at a media conference called by him (Wednesday). This will be discussed in an appropriate forum and a decision will be made thereafter.”
Arendse, who has also resigned from his positions at the International Cricket Council, had lashed out at Majola, with whom he has previously had several public spats over the composition of the South African squad.
Arendse claimed that as president he did not enjoy “the full trust and confidence of his chief executive officer (Majola)”.
Majola expressed surprise at Arendse’s resignation.
“I would say, my relationship with him was not as good as with other presidents, but I respected his position as president of the organisation, Arendse told the The Star, admitting that there were differences between them over management style.
“He (Arendse) is my boss; if he had problems, he could have called a meeting and asked for me to be fired.”
Majola overruled Arendse in February this year by naming a squad at the last minute for the tour of Bangladesh that did not meet with Arendse’s requirements of there being more black players in the side.
The two reconciled after the incident, assuring their principals and the country that it would not happen again.
Earlier this week, Arendse was adamant that he would strongly contest attempts to oust him as president on technicalities related to re-electing officials because CSA was transforming into a not-for-profit Section 21 company.
There were also strong views that the chairperson of the provincial Gauteng Cricket Board, Mtutuzeli Nyoka, had the support of the majority of the provincial cricket unions for the new position.
CSA’s vice president, Logan Naidoo, will act as president until Board elections are held.