The karateka will be busy in the recording studios when the games get underway in North Africa. Apparently, Maretlwaneng has signed a four-month contract with the production company responsible for the play and they might not be willing to let him go. Maretlwaneng is one of the Botswana athletes who won gold at the last AAG in Abuja, Nigeria in 2003. In addition to the gold he scooped in the Under-60kg, he also got bronze in kata. He is one of the country's brightest medal prospects this year.
He told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he has already told BOKA (Botswana Karate Association) that he will not make it to the AAG. "I am in a situation where I cannot compromise. I badly wanted to go and represent my country but the film industry is my life. I believe that this is the greatest opportunity as I want to be a film producer in future," he said. He pointed out that if he decides to go to Algeria, he will miss many things in the production of Mma-Ramotswe. He said the decision he has taken is the hardest ever in his life.
"I was the star of the 2003 games in Abuja and for me to miss the continental games is bad. But at times, we've to make decisions. I've been part of karate since I was young and I promise that when I finish with this production in September, I'll re-unite with my colleagues," he told Mmegi Sport. Maretlwaneng was part of the Botswana team for the Zone VI games in May where he won a silver medal. He said that though the preparations are not as good as in 2003, he has confidence that the current team will hoist the country's flag high during the Algeria games.
BOKA president, Gift Nkwe told Mmegi Sport that Maretlwaneng once hinted that he might miss the games due to personal commitments. "I'm aware of that issue because we understand he's involved in a certain play. This is something beyond us as you know that sport in Botswana is not professional. But we hope to talk to him later (yesterday)," said Nkwe. The BOKA president added that they badly need the services of Maretlwaneng because he is a sure medal bet.
In case Maretlwaneng misses the trip, the Botswana team has capable karatekas who can do the nation proud. In the men's category, Vicky Majama, Andrew Dobolo, Moses Jones and Christopher Ponatshego are the medal hopefuls. The women's team has Mongologa sisters Goitseone and Mphoyaone, Nshingi Mosalagae and Keakitse Matlhodi.
