30 Sep 2018

A coach, who will be guiding 400-metre runner, Bernard Olesitse, at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina, says they will be working under pressure because of the uncertainty that surrounded the athlete's  departure.

Initially Ministry of  Basic Education had told this publication that Olesitse will not travel to the Youth Olympic Games, because the competition clashed with his Junior Certificate final examinations.

However on September 28, acting permanent secretary, Simon Coles, rescinded his decision and allowed Olesitse to travel with Team Botswana. 

However, Olesitse’s coach, Kago Tladinyane, said in an interview that Olesitse had a long break, therefore the athletes would have to rise to the level of competition.

Furthermore, he said Olesitse had a recurring back problem which they needed to consider, adding for the past two days they had been training well.

“We will work with what we have to make sure he is ready at the day of competition, having his personal coach closer to us is helpful. We give each other feedback,” he said.

He said even during the uncertainty of the trip, he kept in touch with the athlete and his coach  given that they had designed a programme to keep him on shape,.

“There was no need not to put him under pressure, but I can assure you, by the time we get that side, he will be a competitor,” Tladinyane said.

For his part, Olesitse said the uncertainty of the trip did not affect him that much, given that he had people who supported him.

He, however, said he was not under any pressure, adding that his mission in Buenos Aires, would be to enjoy and finish all his races.

He said competing at the bigger stage would give him enough experience as he would be in a good position to identify his future competitors. ENDS