Cricket South Africa has confirmed acting CEO Thabang Moroe has been appointed to the position in a permanent capacity on a three-year contract. Moroe, who was previously the vice-president of the board, served in a temporary role since late September 2017, succeeding Haroon Lorgat, for nine months.
Under Moroe, CSA lurched through several crises, most notably the postponement and ultimate cancellation of their premier 20-over league, the GLT20. The aborted competition cost the organization in excess of US$14 million and bills continue to mount as the franchise owners threaten legal action. CSA has since signed an equity deal with SuperSport, for a new tournament but no details of the event have been decided yet.
Moroe has also overseen protracted and, at times, acrimonious negotiations with the players' association, SACA. The MOU between CSA and SACA, which expired at the end of April, was not finalised in time for an immediate renewal and is yet to be announced as complete. However, the board still showed faith in Moroe and appointed him to the top job.
"Mr. Moroe has done an excellent job over the past year in taking over this position in circumstances that were far from ideal," Chris Nenzani, CSA President said.
"In congratulating him on his appointment, I look forward to his continuing the path set out by his predecessor of achieving our goal to be the best-run sports federation on the continent and to be among the best in the world."
Moroe's most pressing task will be to get the new 20-over competition off the ground, while minimising financial losses. There is also talk of an expansion of the existing domestic franchise system from six teams to eight and, as always, Moroe will have to focus on retaining national players as the lure of T20 leagues and the Kolpak deals loom.