Players distance themselves from CSA spat

South African players, through the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA), have distanced themselves from the ongoing spat between CSA chief executive Gerald Majola and the body's president Mtutzeli Nyoka. This comes after CSA said on Friday, at the conclusion of its annual conference, that the national team said Nyoka was a "poor example" because he allegedly breached CSA's media protocol.

"The players are not involved in this issue and have expressed no views in favour of, or against, one side or the other," Tony Irish, SACA chief executive said. "There have been no letters or statements by the players or by SACA as suggested in some reports."

A letter, written by national team manager, Mohammad Moosajee was presented to the board at their special general meeting on September 8, about his concerns. Moosajee said that he was worried about enforcing protocols and holding the players accountable for their actions in the media if the most senior office bearer of the body is not doing the same.

While not stating it explicitly, Moosajee was referring to incidents that have taken place over the past year in the national media. This includes an interview that Nyoka gave to Johannesburg's biggest talk-radio station, 702, in January in which he called Majola a "liar" and accused him of being dishonest about the IPL bonuses that were paid to Majola and 40 CSA staff. Nyoka has also made various references to corruption in cricket and South African society.

The latest development in the CSA saga is a second motion of no confidence in Nyoka, which was tabled at the same meeting. The first attempt to oust the president took place on the eve of the World Cup in February and was said to be a distraction to the players as they entered an important tournament.

The national players have not commented on the issue but Moosajee, as manager of the team, has penned the letter to express his concern about the potential for setting a poor media example. He confirmed that the players have "nothing to do with the letter."

Irish said that although the players are not involving themselves in the saga, they would like to see it reach a speedy conclusion. "SACA and the players do however appeal to the leaders within CSA to do whatever they can to resolve the current differences within the organisation in order to prevent further damage to the game."