31 Oct 2016

Delegates who attended the Athletics Pitso have urged the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) leadership to put their house in order, as bad publicity has potential to taint the good image of the code.

Delegates said the recent media reports regarding mismanagement of funds put the code in a bad light, hence it was imperative for the national executive to practice good governance and good practice of record keeping.

Addressing the delegates, BAA president Moses Bantsi said one of their employees have been suspended regarding misuse of funds and a case has been opened with Botswana Police and his disciplinary would follow.

“As the matter is before investigators, I plead that we refrain from commenting on it for fear of evidence destruction,” he said.

Bantsi said it was sad that the meeting came amidst several media headlines which were not reflecting well on BAA and its leadership lately despite having a relatively successful year.

“We feel these are just power struggle attempts aimed at tarnishing the image of others and the federation.

Those responsible must know that they are doing themselves injustice,” he said.

He strongly warned that there were laid down procedures to follow if one felt aggrieved that things were not being done accordingly.

Bantsi said affiliates, Botswana National Sport Commission, Botswana National Olympic Committee the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development exist to resolve grievances.

Furthermore, he told delegates that addressing grievances through media was not the best option, as no sponsor would want to be associated with people who always resolved their issues through media.

In other issues, Bantsi said recently the association signed and launched an ambitious partnership with Gaborone Diacore Marathon, with realisation that their middle and long distance runners were not doing well.

He said Gaborone Diacore Marathon, would be sponsoring BAA to improve the situation, adding that at the moment 11 athletes and a coach were on camp at a rented house in Gaborone Block 6 with all expenses paid by the sponsor.

Furthermore, he said Gaborone Diacore Marathon was prepared to bring in a qualified and experienced coach to help develop further the programme and also impart the expertise to the local coach in the long run.

“In due course, the project will include youngsters who will be nurtured to qualify for the next Olympic Games and will be based on Olympic Quadrennial Cycle,” he said.

On athlete’s performance, he said Botswana’s junior team has positioned itself as the next formidable force to be reckoned with.

He said the juniors won silver at the World youth competition in 4x400 metres relay and bronze in 400 metres, adding that Karabo Sibanda finished fifth at the Olympic Games, and his performance placed him second fastest junior runner in the world after Baboloki Thebe this year.
The senior team, he said set a new national record in the 4x400 metres relay still at the Olympic Games. ENDS