Tshube said a lot of times there are role models around but their stories are never told. “Makwala is from Tutume and I am from Nswazwi. When I interviewed him, the things he explained, I was familiar with and I did not need to do a lot of follow up. I must admit that at first, he was hesitant. He told me that he had a project where someone else was working on the book,” Tshube said. He said after a month they agreed. Tshube said there were three profound lessons from the book that athletes should think deeply about. “All athletes should develop some skills in and outside sport because athletics career is short and not all athletes reach elite sport.
Those who reach the elite stage do not always make money out of the sport. It is important that they acquire skills beyond the track. Most profoundly, it is important that Makwala builds a network with Mascom but ensures that he acquires skills beyond just sponsorship,” he said. Tshube said he could be a public speaker, host events or inspire people. He said his athletics career is good and he should commercialise it. Tshube said athletes need to learn how to relate with people around them. “We have a lot of talent in Botswana even at the global level, but the inability to relate very well with our athletes or their inability to relate well with people around them undermines their talent in a lot of cases. They need to develop their strong sense of autonomy in the decisions they make and things that they do,” Tshube said.
