BJF accused as judoka suffers double fracture

Naledi Lemogang | Thursday March 30, 2017 16:09

 

Seepi, who is under judo’s Re Ba Bona Ha development club suffered the freak injury during the Botswana Judo Inter Club tournament held in Gaborone. The girl was rushed to Princess Marina Hospital where she is admitted.

 The family said a judo representative checked their daughter yesterday, but did not bring anything for the injured girl.  Before she suffered the injury, Seepi had battled in three fights and only met her misery on the last encounter.  She scooped position three and won bronze medal under the 22kg category. The injury occurred when she was trying to support her body with her left arm on the floor while battling an opponent, which resulted in her breaking it.

Seepi’s mother, Kebaboetse Seepi told Mmegi Sport yesterday that her child has always been uncomfortable with judo. 

“My daughter is in serious pain,” her mother said. She said she is disappointed that the association has not been supportive since the injury occurred.

“Since Saturday after the injury, only one person came from the association, but for now we are dealing with the coach,” she said.

Her daughter has been in the sport for four months. She said Seepi has previously shown signs of fear for the sport. She said she used to hear stories of her daughter missing out on some of the training sessions because of the fear.

Seepi’s coach, Neo Kapeko said the injury might force doctors into performing an operation.

“Seepi hardly trains and usually cries before the tournaments and during training sessions. She has a lot of fear, but she has the potential. The doctor said he does not foresee Seepi continuing with judo since her bones are still soft,” Kapeko said. She said she will remind the association to take care of the child.

Botswana Judo Federation (BJF) marketing and public relations manager, Patricia Nthibo said they will assist the athlete seek medical attention until she is fully recovered.

Nthibo said usually when such incidents happen they always make a follow-up so that their athletes are attended to and they keep encouraging them on the path to recovery.