Mali elected president of South African board

Ray Mali has been elected President of the United Cricket Board of South Africa. He was elected unopposed at yesterday's annual meeting in Pretoria, and he becomes the fifth president since the boards were unified in 1992. Mali, aged 66, is currently president of Border, his native province, and has been a member of the UCB's general council since 2000.

Mali, the first-ever black African president, will have a two-year stint in the job and his election signals the end of Percy Sonn's term in charge. Sonn, who attracted controversy by once pulling a player out of a Test at the last minute due to his colour, and allegedly being drunk during a World Cup match, now becomes vice-president of the ICC.

On the new appointment, Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, said: "We have great confidence in Mr. Mali and look forward to working closely with him. We believe this is a new era in the game and are fully committed to being actively involved in moving the game forward under Mr. Mali's guidance." He added: "It would be a great to be able to celebrate Mr. Mali's appointment with a Test series win over England."

Along with Mali, three other black African administrators were elected to serve on the national council of the UCB: Peter Bacela, Tim Khumalo and Oupa Nkagisang.