Olympics team still waiting for title deeds

The government gave each member a fully-furnished two-bedroom flat in Gaborone, a move that was roundly lauded. It was the first time that athletes received such an incentive. In addition, they received P50,000 as they became the first relay team to win a medal for Botswana at the Olympics. Minister of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare has already committed that if athletes win medals at next month’s Olympic Games in Paris, they will get similar rewards. But the Class of 2021 says they have been sent from pillar to post in an effort to get the title deeds to the houses. The reward followed their stellar performance at the 2021 Olympics held the same year due to COVID-19 disruptions.

“We have nothing to show in terms of documents. We are struggling to get answers,” said Isaac Makwala who was instrumental in the win. He said there has been no firm answer from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) on the matter. Other members who were given houses are Bayapo Ndori, Zibane Ngozi, Baboloki Thebe, Leungo Scotch, and Anthony Pasela. BNSC CEO, Tuelo Serufho had not responded to MmegiSport queries on the matter at press time. MmegiSport sought to know what had caused the delays.