Khoza guns for top Sascoc post

In a shock move, Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza is to take on Gideon Sam for the presidency of the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.

The news of his challenge comes soon after Khoza, known in soccer circles as the "Iron Duke", was nominated unopposed for the chairmanship position of the Premier Soccer League.

SA Football Association president Kirsten Nematandani will vie for one of the two vice-president positions, at present held by Hajera Kajee, vice-president of the SA Table Tennis Board, and Les Williams, the president of the SA Korfball Federation. The elections take place on November 24.

There had been speculation since early this year that Khoza would take on Sam for Sascoc's top post.

Sam took over the reins four years ago after South Africa's woeful performance in Beijing, where the team returned with a solitary silver medal.

Four years later, South Africa enjoyed one of its most successful Olympic campaigns at the London Games, where it raked in six medals, three of them gold.

The haul was officially South Africa's best since readmission and fourth-best of all time.

Khoza has also been nominated as a vice-president.

Nematandani is among 25 nominees vying for five board positions. Others include sports scientist Professor Tim Noakes, wheelchair marathon star Ernst van Dyk and sports promoter Selwyn Nathan.

Mubarak Mahomed, another soccer stalwart, is seeking re-election as a board member.

Sam Ramsamy holds an ex-officio spot on Sascoc's board by virtue of being an International Olympic Committee member.