04 Mar 2015

Local sprinter, Leungo Matlhaku is expected to return home to join one of the local schools of excellence to enable her balance learning and training.

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) secretary general, Kebaitse Legojane confirmed Matlhaku’s return from South Africa which he said resulted from her dismal academic performance at Tuks High School and High Performance Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. 

Matlhaku was sent to Tuks High School and High Performance Centre on an elite sponsorship after failing Junior Certificate examinations in 2010,

She is one of the competent 100, 200 and 4 x 400m relay team athlete that the country had ever produced.

Legojane was also responding to a post on Facebook that alleged Matlhaku had been removed from the high performance centre for failure to pay fees. 

As a result, he said he was disappointed by the actions of some of their officials, especially that such a post was based on unfounded information. 

He also expressed disappointment at the author saying it was insensitive given that the issue did not only affect the athlete but her family and other stakeholders as well. 

Legojane explained that Matlhaku had failed matric for the second time and as such could not continue at the Pretoria centre, which enrols athletes who excel both academically and in sport.

He said as such, the athlete had only been training but not studying despite being paid for by the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC). 

“Rumours that the athlete was not paid for are baseless and untrue,” he said.

He said they have held a series of meetings to map out a plan to assist their athlete where it was suggested that she be enrolled for a bridge course that would enable her to be accepted for a one of the courses offered.

“Most of the courses are engineering and medical disciplines and knowing her ability, we felt that such would be a waste of time and resources. We then resolved that she be brought back to join other form fours in one of the schools of excellence.” 

He said the athlete’s parents also hailed the decision we felt would help her do well at BGCSE.

“The BNSC is so committed to helping her realise her academic potential and has always offered full support. Her parents have been consulted and are happy with how her issue is being handled,” he added.

The BAA official further said it would have been irresponsible of them to keep the athlete at the centre saying “we could not wait for the centre to kick her out that is why agreed that she returns.” 

Legojane said their association and BNSC had Matlhaku’s interests at heart and remained committed to prepare their athletes for life after competitions. ENDS