BNOC sticks to its guns over Nike kit :: Mmegi Online

When athletics competition started on Monday at the Commonwealth Games that are underway in Glasgow, Scotland, Botswana athletes stepped onto the track donning a Nike-branded black and white kit instead of the familiar sky blue Puma kit.

Nike is the new technical partner for the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) whilst Puma has signed a contract with the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA). According to information reaching Mmegi Sport, some key figures within BAA felt the BNOC did not consult them before reaching an agreement with Nike, whilst the BNOC was aware that BAA is sponsored by Puma.

A source said Puma pays incentives for medals won, which means if there is an athlete who wins a medal, they will not receive any payment as they will be wearing a Nike kit. BNOC president, Tshepo Sitale, said the two issues regarding technical sponsors are not interrelated because there is multi-sport and there is a single sport event, and each has its own rules.

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