Otsetswe Against Sending Athletes Abroad For Training
Tlotlo Kebinakgabo | Monday January 23, 2017 16:01
Amantle Montsho was based in Dakar, Senegal while Isaac Makwala spent time in Jamaica and Germany.
But athletics coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe who was instrumental in Amos’ 2012 Olympics achievement believes it is not the best to opt for training abroad.
He said it is a wrong move for Amos to have opted for Kenya as local athletes perform to their best when they train locally.
“Statistics reveal that athletes perform to their best when they train in Botswana,” Otsetswe said. “We once sent Isaac Makwala for training in Jamaica, but he did not deliver only for him to break national and African records while training in Botswana.”
However, Otsetswe said he has trust and belief in Amos.
“He is a good athlete. If he can focus, he is going to impress next year. I coached him before, I know him and I believe he has not lost shape as many think,” he said.
Otsetswe said athletes tend to opt to train in other countries due to the altitude and incentives.
“There is currently one paying track and field event in Botswana, which is the national finals, you will find that winners usually get P1,000 and that is very low to sustain athletes.
As a result our athletes are forced to opt for training in other countries looking at financial benefits.”