BAA excited about Nike deal
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 26, 2016 14:38
Bantsi told Mmegi Sport this week that the deal is meant for sponsorship for the senior national team during major competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships and comes with financial reward if the team performs well. He said the association signed the deal with Nike before the Rio competition.
Bantsi said since 2011, BAA has not been having a sponsor, adding the Nike deal is a relief to them as the association was struggling to buy running kit for the athletes on an annual basis.
Bantsi said the sponsorship is a motivation to the athletes even to those who are not yet in the team. He said that would make them work and fight for spaces in the team.
“The incentives are also available for the athletes when they reach finals in such championships. We are humbled by the sponsorship as a federation,” he said.
Bantsi said there is also another deal between athletes and Nike. He said athletes who have signed contracts with Nike are Nijel Amos, Baboloki Thebe, Isaac Makwala and Karabo Sibanda.
The president said it is an indication that athletics is doing something right.
He said if the World was not recognising the talent that the country has, such an international company would not have bothered to associate with Botswana.
Bantsi said Nike takes BAA seriously and the association would do everything in their power to keep the sponsor happy.