Lack of equipment forces weightlifting team to train in SA
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday April 11, 2014 11:26
Weightlifting team manager, Alex Rankgwe told Mmegi Sport that they are forced to use bodybuilding equipment that is not available locally. He said the bodybuilding equipment at the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) gym is heavier. He said South Africa has the right equipment hence their decision to have camps there. Rankgwe said Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) has bought them equipment, but it is yet to arrive.
“Weightlifting equipment is expensive and the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) has not been able to purchase it due to budgetary constraints. We have been informed that the equipment from WFA will arrive month end,” said Rankgwe.
Preparations for the Youth Games began in November with talent identification. Rankgwe said the selection of the team was done under the watchful eye of South African national team coach, Aveenashe Pandoo. Seven weightlifters were picked and went for a training camp in Cape Town in December. The number was subsequently trimmed to six in January. Rangkwe pointed out that the weightlifters struggled at the beginning but picked up as training progressed. He said only two weightlifters, Laone Molete and Alpheous Kagiso will represent the country at the games.
Molete is from Ledumang Secondary School while Kagiso is a student at Naledi Secondary School.
Rankgwe said being a new code meant the weightlifters do not have experience, which is why the WFA hired a coach, Curvon Jacobs to assist with preparations. He said the intention is to prepare a solid team to try its luck at the Niajing Youth Olympics Games qualifiers to be held in Tunisia later this year and the Commonwealth Games.
As part of preparations for the Youth Games, weightlifting sent a budget proposal to BNOC for camp training in Port Elizabeth and they are still waiting for a response. “When our equipment arrives, we intend to set up clubs in schools in the north and south of the country. That way, we will have a pool of athletes that can be selected to be part of the national team,” he said.
Rankgwe requested BNOC to assist them since weightlifting is a new code. He said the Youth Games have come as a blessing, which should see the sport rolled out to the rest of the country. Weightlifting competitions will be held at Boipuso Hall and is the first on the Africa Youth Games's schedule.
ABOUT AYG WEIGHTLIFTING
Games venue: Boipuso Hall
Seating capacity: approximately 1, 000
Head coach: Obonwakae Dick
Coach: Curvon Jacobs
Team manager: Alex Rankgwe
Team members: Alex Molete and Alphius Kagiso