Angry Thebe blasts BAA
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday September 13, 2017 15:36
The athlete is in Milan, Italy for treatment, with his agent reportedly taking care of medical expenses. Thebe left for Italy on Sunday without the knowledge of BAA.
“Yes, they cannot know about my whereabouts because they have never checked on me since my arrival from the World Championships. They have never enquired how I am feeling since the injury,” Thebe told Mmegi Sport from Milan. He said his manager is footing the bill, adding that he is not complaining as what he is going through is part of (sport) life. He said he would emerge stronger from his situation.
BAA spokesperson, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba had initially said the association was not aware of Thebe’s trip. He said on Monday that Thebe is a professional athlete and the association does not control his movements. He said his (Thebe’s) manager is the one who monitors him. Thebe said BAA should not be talking about his whereabouts, but instead they should speak of what they have done since he got injured.
“I was instructed to come home after London. I was informed that I would be taken to Bokamoso Private Hospital for medical attention. As we speak today, that has not happened. My manager could not just fold his arms and wait for BAA to act. Hence he decided to bring me to Italy at his own expense,” he said.
Thebe said the painful thing is that when the athletics season starts, he is the one who suffers. He complained that he got injured on national duty, but has not been assisted. BAA has claimed that they had written a letter to Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) for the athlete to be taken for treatment.
“I have not heard anything about that letter. If I was updated on what was happening I could not be here. BAA must tell you the truth,” he said.
He said his manager wants to see him fit and back on track. Thebe said the 2018 season is starting early because of the Commonwealth Games.
“How was I going to train with an injury. I wonder what I was going to do if I did not have a manager,” a disappointed Thebe said. The situation had taken its toll on the athlete to the level that he found himself isolated from his friends.
“I have always been indoors. I did not want to see or talk to anybody because I could see that my career was ending. I am the breadwinner in my family, but here I am in Milan being taken care of by specialists.
That gives me hope,” Thebe said. Meanwhile, BAA president, Thari Mooketsi also denied knowledge of Thebe’s trip to Europe. He said the plan was for the athlete to be attended to by physical-therapists in Gaborone.
“BAA sport development officer has informed me that he had started making arrangements for Thebe’s treatment. If he is not happy, Thebe should approach us,” he said. Mooketsi said it is unfortunate that Thebe’s manager did not consult the association when he took Thebe to Italy.