Makwala ruffles feathers

The outspoken Makwala did not hold back as he explained that he was sponsoring himself to compete in the Diamond League series. Athletes earn points at the 13 series meeting to qualify for the final of their discipline.

The final is set for September in Zurich, Switzerland. Makwala has not fared well in the opening two meetings, where he failed to secure a podium finish. “For your information, I am here by myself. I do not get any help or funds from Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) or the government. So I pay everything for myself from my pocket,” he said. Makwala stated that the only people that his critics can ask to retire are politicians. “Those are the people you have the power to do that, not me. You did not vote for me to run. This is my career so you cannot tell me what to do with my job,” he stated. Dr Tshepang Tshube, senior lecturer, Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Botswana told Mmegi Sport Makwala's outbursts were a reflection of his outspokenness. “Makwala has a strong sense of behavioural autonomy. He demonstrates independent decision-making.