Where is Tshotlego Morama?

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Friday March 5, 2010 00:00

 

The career of the 400m star suffered a setback following allegations that she fathered a child. There were allegations in the media that Morama had characteristics of a hermaphrodite. Since then she has not competed despite the fact that the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) aggressively defended her and threatened court action to clear her name. This week, BNSC executive secretary, Kitso Kemoeng said they have sponsored Morama to study at an institution in Gaborone.

Interestingly, he said he did not know the name of the institution but confirmed that Morama is staying at the BNSC athletes' village in Gaborone. Kemoeng dismissed claims that it is not proper for Morama to stay at the village when she is not training. He said BNSC is paying for her accommodation. 'Our other option will be to take her to a hotel as the school that she is attending does not provide accommodation and there is nowhere else Morama can stay,' he said.

An agitated Kemoeng could not reveal when Morama started staying at the athletes' village nor when she started school. 'She started staying there when she started school and will be there until she finishes,' he said. Kemoeng said he was not aware when Morama will return to the track. 'All I know is that she has done so much for this country, and we are thanking her by paying for her school fees,' he said. 

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Moses Bantsi could not say when Morama will start competing. He said it was up to Morama to return to the track but currently she is not active as she is a student.

Morama shot to fame in 2004 when she won gold at the Special Olympics in Athens. When questions were raised about her sexuality, the BNSC decided to stop her from competing and took her for counselling.