ASA chief James Moloi excited about the start of the new season

Moloi, who is in his final term with board elections set for 31 May, encouraged athletes to seize the opportunity to qualify for the World Senior Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in September.

He emphasized the advantage of qualifying at home to avoid the pressure of chasing qualification in Europe.

"From our side we are ready as Athletics South Africa. As you know very well that we end up with big bang but now we started with a big bang again. So, as from next week, I'm urging everybody that wants to join us at the Pilditch to come and join and even support us because this is a golden opportunity to come and see people like Walaza [Bayanda] and the relay teams guys that were there are going to be competing,” Moloi said.

“If we can support this event because now it's where everybody is going to be elected and then we're going to select the best athletes that are going to represent South Africa.

“It's a golden opportunity for everybody just to qualify but it's not the first event we're going to have. We'll have another second leg of the event."

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The Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) will host their provincial championships at the University of Johannesburg from 14 to 16 March as part of the provincial championships taking place across the country.

Moloi extended his well wishes to all the athletes participating in the events.

"Even the provincials are next weekend and Central Gauteng is going to have their championship together with the other provinces. We urge other provinces to have their championships so that we can move together,” he added.

“So, this year is gonna be a very, very tough year for athletics because everybody wants to qualify for the World Championships. As you know very well, it's becoming very tough now."