Makwala ruffles feathers
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday June 11, 2022 06:00
The outspoken Makwala did not hold back as he explained that he was sponsoring himself to compete in the Diamond League series. Athletes earn points at the 13 series meeting to qualify for the final of their discipline.
The final is set for September in Zurich, Switzerland. Makwala has not fared well in the opening two meetings, where he failed to secure a podium finish. “For your information, I am here by myself. I do not get any help or funds from Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) or the government. So I pay everything for myself from my pocket,” he said. Makwala stated that the only people that his critics can ask to retire are politicians. “Those are the people you have the power to do that, not me. You did not vote for me to run. This is my career so you cannot tell me what to do with my job,” he stated. Dr Tshepang Tshube, senior lecturer, Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Botswana told Mmegi Sport Makwala's outbursts were a reflection of his outspokenness. “Makwala has a strong sense of behavioural autonomy. He demonstrates independent decision-making.
His posts on social media are a clear demonstration of his autonomy. In my view, he shares views regardless of who is in government,” he said. When asked if the post will have an impact on the athlete, Tshube said the social media conduct clearly has a negative impact on Makwala’s brand. He said sponsors and other collaborators might not want to associate with his conduct.
He said it is important for Makwala and all other athletes to know that they cannot control people’s posts on social media. Tshube said athletes should be taught to ignore or close negative posts. Tshube, who is the author of 'The Solo Runner: The Untold Story of Isaac Makwala', said Batswana needs to know that athletes, like everyone else, deal with a lot of adversity. “In fact, athletes struggle with maintaining consistent performance, injuries, insecurities, deselection, and retirement transition challenges. Therefore, giving negative feedback and criticising athletes on social media hurts their self-confidence and self-esteem, hence these social media outbursts.
Makwala, like everyone in retirement transition, is dealing with a lot of uncertainty and likely anxiety. We should, therefore, support athletes and reduce uncertainty through retirement transition support services,” he said. Tshube said there is a myth that sport builds good character. He said the same sport could achieve the opposite.
He said the difference is the intention in teaching good character in the team. “For example, athletes need to be taught life skills, good sportsmanship, and also made to account and take responsibility for their mistakes. Lastly, leadership in teams and sports in general needs to model good character and behaviour for athletes. Athletes' behaviour reflects sports in general,” he said.