Pretoria - Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has welcomed Cricket South Africa’s decision to ban Gulam Bodi for 20 years following reports of him attempting to fix matches.
“Minister Mbalula welcomes the swift response and strong action taken by Cricket South Africa as a sequel to allegations of match fixing levelled against Gulam Bodi and other suspected sportspersons.
“The disdain Cricket South Africa has shown against those self-seeking elements within the code, whose motives are to exploit the most vulnerable athletes and thereby corrupting this beautiful game, is commendable,” said the Department of Sport and Recreation in a statement on Tuesday.
The Minister said CSA must continue with its custodial duties of safeguarding sport by leaving no stone unturned in its investigation of match fixing.
“CSA must proactively install preventative measures to protect our athletes from these parasites and vultures.”
The Minister said South African cricket is gradually regaining its original grandeur. He said it was impressive to watch young players like Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma coming through the ranks.
Minister Mbalula is set to hold a meeting with the leadership of CSA today where he will receive a comprehensive report on the magnitude of match fixing and to deliberate on what is to be done to safeguard cricket. – SAnews.gov.za
