BTU president Simon Mapolelo said, as teachers, it is proper for them to support athletes like Amos whose talents were identified and cultivated at a tender age in formative schools. "We have decided to do this on the basis that Amos' talent was encouraged by teachers, and that by the time he was competing at primary school level, BTU was responsible for sporting activities," he said. Mapolelo said his union handed over that responsibility to the Botswana Brigades Sports Association (BOBSA) in 2006."Nijel belonged to the Francistown Bokalaka Area which was known as FRABOA," he said.
The 18-year-old record-breaking athlete from Marobela, gave Botswana her first ever Olympics medal, silver, at the recently ended games in London. The orphaned lad powered into position two of the 800 metres finals with an impressive personal best time of 1:41:73 on the heels of Kenyan David Rudisha who went on to smash the world record in 1:40:91. Mapolelo added that BTU has to be seen to be appreciating people like Amos because teachers played an important role in how he has turned out to be. "Teachers play an important role in a child's life, not only academically but holistically," he stated. Mapolelo said they took into consideration that the family would not be able to afford to meet their son at the airport. He added that there is a possibility that it was going to be overlooked that his family, especially his grandmother, would need to see him when he arrives.
