Ray Mali says Athletics South Africa’s interim board is capable of and committed to improving the image of athletics in the country.

Mali, who took over ASA’s administration this week, elected nine people on Saturday to assist him with the running of the embattled federation.

It comes after the entire board and several senior managers were suspended over the Caster Semenya gender debacle.

Mali says the election of an interim board is the beginning of a new era for ASA.

He says he is confident that the nine new board members will be able to take ASA to another level.

“The board itself will be running the organisation, taking decisions. We are looking forward to a great season,” he said.

Hendrik Ramaala who was elected to the board says it is now about the sport and not the politics.

“It must be about sport. Some people are there looking for positions,” he said.

Mali says many sponsors have also assured him that they will be back on board soon.