Under-20 coaches left high and dry :: Mmegi Online

National Under-20 athletics coaches, Meleko Ndolo and Chilume Ntshwarang might have led the team to a high position of seventh out of 116 athletics associations at the World Athletics Championships held in Kenya in August, but the two have been left dry, after failing to reap financial rewards.

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development has categorically stated there will be no incentives for the team. Ndolo and Ntshwarang had approached the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) to request recognition in terms of incentives or at least appearance fees.

BAA elevated the matter to the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), which in turn took the case to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC). According to a letter from BNSC director, sport development - technical Bobby Gaseitsiwe following an inquiry from BAA, which needed clarity on the exclusion of junior athletes from incentive package for national players, BNSC consulted further with MYSC. The ministry referred BNSC to a 2012 Presidential directive. “Regarding the Presidential directive of 2012, the Ministry wishes to inform your office that this directive stipulates that appearance fees and performance incentives are for national team players and athletes.

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