19 Nov 2018

Multitudes of people, among them the athletics family, thronged Mochudi on November 18 to bid farewell to Omphemetse “Mchovas” Mokgadi.

Different speakers described Mchovas, as he was well known in athletics, as a true son of the soil and a hero who dedicated his life to sport and community building.

Pharu Phatshwane described him as a son that every family would want to have as he was disciplined and well behaved.

Phatshwane, the deceased uncle, said on many occasions he had sent him on different errands and he never disappointed as he was honest and faithful, adding that they had lost a great hero who dedicated his life to serving others as he assisted many people in Mochudi.

Kaunda Mokgadi shared the same sentiments, adding that they have accepted the will of God but would have hoped Mchovas had lived much longer as he played an important role in bringing the family together.

He said he had loss his only young sibling who looked up to him, revealing that they grew up together since their mother died when they were still young.

Mokgadi said Mchovas would go all out to help the neighbours and everyone who asked him for help and would not disappoint.

President of Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), Thari Mooketsi said he met the athlete while he was still at Linchwe junior school, and that he has been with Lefika Athletics Club for 14 years.

He said Mchovas started his athletics career between 2003 and 2004 and has been of great help as he volunteered to help many upcoming athletes both in Mochudi and Gaborone.

Mooketsi said BAA expected a lot from him as he still had a lot to offer to the athletics family.

He described how the young lad would visit school camps and assist the school for the blind in Mochudi as he offered them counselling and also helped Molefi senior school pupils during the off season.

A representative of Lefika Athletics Club, Kaelo Mosalagae said Mchovas joined their club in 2005 and at the time he was not an athlete but was helping with catering for others.

He said as time went on, he started developing interest and started joining them in out of school camps.

Mosalagae said Lefika Club had lost a motivator and mentor as many athletes joined the club because of him and he would forever be missed.

Tebo Segaisi, a board member of Botswana National Olympics Committee together with Bobby Gaseitsiwe from Botswana National Sports Commission said they had lost a great legend who had a good heart. The duo said a lot was still expected from him, but the creator had other plans.

Segaisi said he had good qualities and wanted to share his skills with others and leave a legacy behind.

She compared Mchovas to electricity, which is very important in our lives but because it is always there people only realise how much they need it when it is cut.

Gaseitsiwe said Mchovas believed in volunteerism and had a heart to assist others and that was what sport was all about.

Member of Parliament for Mochudi West, Gilbert Mangole said BAA and Batswana at large had lost a legend.

He said it was important for athletes to eat a balanced diet and make regular checkups to avoid what befell their beloved athlete.

Mangole advised athletes to reduce meat and replace it with a lot of vegetables as that was what the body needed to rejuvenate itself.

Deputy Paramount Chief of Bakgatla Ba Kgafela, Kgosi Bana Sekai said it was sad that the young man lost his life during training, but that the plans of God were known only by him.

He implored those in charge to help athletes live better lives more especially with transport, accommodation and food.

Kgosi Sekai said there was a need to have a policy that focused on athletes’ needs and challenges to avoid any instances of loss of life.

The 400-metre runner collapsed during training at the University of Botswana Stadium a week ago and was certified dead at Princess Marina Hospital.

Among those who graced the funeral were permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Kago Ramokate and Member of Parliament for Mochudi East, Moagi Molebatsi. ENDS