Athletes threaten boycott over BAA treatment
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday January 26, 2016 14:34
One of the runners, Shepherd Kenatshele of the SSKB Runners Club told Mmegi Sport over the weekend that the BAA does not care about their welfare. He said the trend emerged last year when they competed at the Southern Africa Cross-Country Championships in Malawi.
He said they travelled by bus from Botswana and the following morning they had to compete although they had not rested. To make matters worse, he said they slept on the bus. Kenatshele said the athletes were not provided with a national gear and were forced to use their clubs kits for the competition.
“I no longer have interest in representing the country. I would rather compete in local competitions. The association does not care, but preparing for a competition is expensive,” he said.
For his part, Kaelo Mosalagae of Lefika Club said he is no longer determined to compete due to the ill-treatment they get from BAA. He said it appears the BAA only cares about short distance runners.
BAA representative, Glody Dube said they treat long distance runners like any other athlete. He said it was unfortunate that they felt neglected. He, however, admitted the association was faced with financial challenges hence they were unable to deliver on some of the athletes’ expectations. Dube said the athletes should not give up, but rather they should continue to prove themselves.
Meanwhile, Kenatshele emerged victorious in the men’s 10 kilometre race of the third series of the cross-country held here on Saturday. He finished the race in 30:16: 21. Mosalagae was second with a time of 31:21:51 while Godiraone Nthampe of SSKB finished third in 31:59:48.
The men’s race lived up to its billing as the day’s main attraction as the lead group of athletes were tightly lumped together for the first two laps. Kenatshele broke away in the third lap and never looked back.
Experience was the key to victory in the senior women’s race where Onkemetse Selotate of Gaborone Runners Club dominated the race and reached the finishing line in 41:48:24. Her teammates, Matshidiso Tamari and Zongwane Akuje arrived second and third respectively. Selotate was making a comeback after a two-year break. She said the race was part of training for the upcoming races. Local Organising Committee member, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba said the race was used as a qualifier for the national cross-country championship to be held next month. He said the event was the last race in the south and the last of the qualifiers would be held in the north.