Judokas threaten boycott

Zolani Kraai | Friday February 19, 2016 14:38

 

 Eleven judokas; Tirelo Lekoko, Thabile Bogatsu, Lesedi Bewlay, Letlhogile Tsheko, Min Young Kim, Omolemo Molwelwa, Nomsa Office, Lucky Mabaka, Bakang Baitshenyetsi, Edwin Sello and Lesego Modisa recently signed a petition expressing their anger at the way the federation is being run.

The concerned players want the BJF executive committee to recognise Advent Monyatsiwa as their national coach.

“Monyatsiwa holds a black belt first Dan since 2006, and we are confident that he qualifies as a coach, not only at club level but also at national team level,” the petition reads.

 They also decry improper coaching skills and tactics applied by the current crop of coaches. Judokas said their grievances date back to 2014 and the BJF leadership has never showed any attempt to respond to their pleas. 

They said the BJF committee is mum on the issue of recruiting credible coaches, as the ones available are not qualified and they lack experience of training at national level, which compromises their safety.

Bewlay, one of the concerned players, told Mmegi Sport they initially approached the then Director of Sports and Recreation (DSR), Falcon Sedimo in 2015 and he promised to address their grievances with relevant BJF officials, but to no vail.

“Not only are we talking about Monyatsiwa, but overall the situation at BJF is yet to improve in as far as governance, leadership and technical issues are concerned. 

We are seeking other avenues to have our grievances attended to,” Bewlay said.

He said they are hoping that since Sedimo is with the BNSC as CEO, he would deal with the matter directly.

While at DSR, Sedimo confirmed to Mmegi Sport that the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture had instructed BNSC to investigate the allegations at BJF but could not disclose the outcome.

Recently, Sedimo said the matter is still being dealt with internally.

“In this connection, we are not in a position to share anything with the media at this time until the matter is finalised,” Sedimo said in response to Mmegi Sport questionnaire.

Meanwhile, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng confirmed last year that BNSC was playing a mediation role at BJF and had assured this publication that the matter would be dealt with by last November.

Reikeletseng could not be reached for comment as his phone rang unanswered and did not respond to Mmegi Sport messages.