Funding to determine Otsetswe�s future at BNOC
Tlotlo Kebinakgabo | Thursday January 19, 2017 15:33
The BNOC said the coach’s future will depend on funding from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Otsetswe is credited with overseeing the progress of athletics gems like Baboloki Thebe and Karabo Sibanda who have had stellar careers thus far.
The duo was part of the Rio 2016 Olympics despite still being in their teenage years. Otsetswe was also vital in Boitumelo Masilo qualifying for the same Olympics but despite the coach’s progress, his contract has not been renewed.
Otsetswe told Mmegi Sport the BNOC requested him to submit a report on how he performed during his tenure.
“I did submit the report and I am still waiting for them to get back to me,” he said. He however said he was unhappy with his previous contract but had to soldier on after signing on the dotted line. “You figure out some things when you are already in your contract. It was not satisfying me as some things were lacking but I just carried on with it as I agreed before,” he said.
He added that he expected the BNOC to help him with issues like accommodation. “... that is because when you go to a centre, you have to be assisted with things like accommodation, transport and even be provided with an office. I did not have any of them. I used almost all the money that I earned but I just continued as I was being patriotic,” he said.
Nevertheless, Otsetswe revealed that he would renew his contract provided it is improved.
“If they work on some things, I will renew but if it comes like the previous one, I will not renew it,” he said.
Quizzed if there are any offers on the table, Otsetswe responded in the affirmative.
“For now, I cannot reveal which countries are after me, but countries from Asia, the Middle East and African countries are interested. Even some clubs in the USA are interested. If the BNOC delays in offering me a new contract I might go, as I am still uncertain of my future,” Otsetswe said.
Otsetswe has reportedly received offers from Zimbabwe, Namibia and Qatar. Celebrated athletes Amantle Montsho, Nijel Amos and Onkabetse Nkobolo are under his wing.
BNOC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho said they are aware that Otsetswe’s contract has ended.
“We hired Otsetswe for a fixed period with the funding that we get from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) but that funding, however ended last year,” he said. He said Otsetswe’s future would be determined by the funding from IOC.
“It will be unfair for us to offer him a contract now and not pay him at the end of the month,” he said.
Serufho said they are aware that Otsetswe has offers elsewhere. “We take him seriously as he has managed to produce top class athletes,” he noted.