BAA defends Sibanda�s inclusion in AUSC squad
Correspondent | Tuesday December 6, 2016 14:51
This came after questions were raised on why Sibanda is selected for what is considered a junior and minor competition meant to give rising athletes a platform.
Sibanda’s personal coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe told Mmegi Sport he did not want the athlete to be part of the team.
“Personally, I feel it is too much for him looking at the fact that he had more competitions this year, which resulted in him running more than 17,400m flats. It is too much for a junior. It is a pity because I do not make final decisions on whether athletes should be selected or not, ” Otsetswe said. Furthermore, Otsetswe said he believes Olympians do not have to run talent identification races, considering the fact that the Maun-born runner is ranked number two in the world junior 400m behind Baboloki Thebe.
However, Otsetswe highlighted that Sibanda’s AUSC selection will not affect his 2017 preparations. “I designed his training programme in such way that the competition will be a trial for him. His participation is not going to affect our preparations at all,” Otsetswe said.
BAA sports development officer and the team’s Chef De Mission, Gable Garenamotse said despite Sibanda’s talent, one must note that he is still in the developmental stage and his age still allows him to be part of the team.
“It is such competitions that made him be what he is. On the other hand one must note that he will be using the AUSC games as preparations for the 2017 season,” Garenamotse said.