Top official dumps fencing for SA job
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 12, 2018 12:21
Chape has served as technical director for the past three years on voluntary basis, but has landed a five-year lucrative deal where he is reported to be earning just over R100, 000 per annum. Speaking to Mmegi Sport on Wednesday from South Africa, Chape refuted that the move was influenced by money but instead said it comes as an opportunity to grow as an elite trainer.
“I received an offer to start up a fencing club this side. I was offered by a local private school, it was an easy decision to make, as I did not have a contract with BAFS. I see this as an opportunity to grow as a coach,” he said.
The 28-year-old who is one of the three locals, who have attained a Master Class in fencing, admitted that his departure would leave a gap in the growth of the sport locally but said the offer was too good to resist as he felt valued by his new employers. “I would say, it is a great loss (for BAFS) for a skilled person like me (to leave). There are only a few of us here (with a Master level). We are only three. But BAFS was not paying me at all; we only got allowances or the national team camps and trips. Sometimes we notice what we have when it’s too late, those who see our value will surely take us,” he said.
The BAFS secretary general, Letlhogonolo Ramosesane confirmed Chape’s departure but hoped he can assist whenever available.
“I don’t think there will be much of a gap because I believe he will continue to assist whenever he is available.
It comes as a sort of disturbance in the development of youngsters but most of our coaches here do not get paid for the work they do, they do it voluntarily on their spare time just for the love of the sport.
We always encourage our coaches to engage with different clubs; some are willing to pay,” she said. Meanwhile, the BAFS had earlier this year planned to host two major tournaments: the BAFS Open and the National Championships. Ramosesane said the Open tournament would now be held October 27.
The association has been embroiled in politics with the Mandla Masuku-led committee saying it is still battling former president, Gaolatwe Modongo, who has threatened to take BAFS to court, disputing the outcome of the elections.