Makwala shames IAAF
The incongruent messages from key IAAF personnel validates the suspicions surrounding Isaac Makwala’s shambolic barring from the 400m final at the London Stadium on frivolous ‘medical grounds’.
The most ridiculous claim from London was the suggestion that Makwala experienced the forceful expulsion of the contents of his stomach and part of the small intestines through the mouth for 18 hours! Surely he would have died! This day dreaming smacks of cowardly chicanery. The decision to block Makwala from competing in his favoured race smacks of sabotage and fraud. Pundits were shocked at the level of poor communication by the IAAF officials after they delivered a fraudulent verdict on Botswana 400m sprint icon’s medical condition.
Rightly so, the Botswana Government is incensed and has instructed a team of lawyers to confront the IAAF on the ‘unfair’ treatment of Makwala. The actions of the IAAF have been found wanting and rickety, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng told Parliament that Government lawyers are busy drafting protest papers directed at the IAAF following the unfair treatment of Makwala. In fact it could have been more pain for Makwala, the 400m sprint icon was sabotaged and blocked from participating in the 200m heats as well – the 400m final came after he missed the 200m heats.
Allegations were flying thick and fast to the effect that this was a calculated move designed to favour the IAAF preferred athlete, a poster boy of some sort, Wayde van Niekerk in the wake of Usain Bolt's retirement. IAAF feared that Makwala was going to embarrass their chosen would-be winner according to pundits. Minister Olopeng has indicated that IAAF officials rejected Botswana delegation's medical report and violently barred Makwala from even entering the stadium in London because of an assumed 'medical condition'.
Pundits have dismissed the IAAF's 'ridiculous' grounds for barring Makwala and it is very likely that the Botswana Government will push this matter to the last stage. There is no doubt that the IAAF medical delegation’s poisonous move almost scattered Makwala and team Botswana's chance to a podium finish. The psychology of the team was negatively affected by the irrational decision by the IAAF. But the resolve of Makwala and his team mates and a goodwill support from the crowds and social media cheered the team.
For his account Makwala, after IAAF officials cooked up another statement claiming elapse of a 48hour quarantine for the 400m athlete, he was allowed to race against a time of 20.53seconds in order to qualify for the semi-finals of the 200m race. He blistered his way through the wet surface and powered across the finish line in 20.20 seconds. Makwala further shamed the IAAF conspirators in the semi-finals, clocking an impressive 20.14 seconds to qualify for the finals.
But in a final showdown, a nation full of hope watched in shock as Makwala succumbed under immense pressure while 400m gold winner Wayde van Niekerk gave him a torrid time. But it was Turkish sprinter Ramil Guliyev who gate-crushed the finals becoming the global king of the 200m race- scooping a gold medal. Clearly the local lad was always going to find it difficult to break boundaries. In a space of two days he ran three races recording contrasting times. Unbelievably, Makwala clocked an awful time on the finals- 20:44.
Pundits point out that fatigue, conspiracies and mounting pressure are factors that might have played a disappointing role that saw Makwala losing out in the last minute. At some point there were attempts by the IAAF head of medical delegation, Dr Venning: She explained: “He had taken a history, examined him, pulse, respiratory and the history from this gentleman is clear that he had symptoms similar to all the other athletes classified as having this gastro-intestinal disease.” Makwala and the Botswana delegation have denied all these made up statements. Makwala insists he was never medically examined by the IAAF doctors. At some point it was claimed that Makwala vomited for more than 18 hours, a ridiculous suggestion that would have sent Makwala straight to grave because of loss of body fluids.
Venning’s explanations, fell short because she could not even tell whether Makwala’s symptoms “could be attributed to any other reason as opposed to making the assumption that it is norovirus”. The IAAF doctor claimed the decision to bar Makwala was meant to protect other athletes in the stadium – where as he was set aside purely on assumption. Social media came to Makwala’s rescue, it has to be stated. Michael Johnson and other former athletes followed Makwala’s case through and through and regularly updated on it. Batswana joined the fray in their numbers and indeed the IAAF was shamed and it ordered a time trial race for the ‘Badman’.
Makwala rewarded with P 100,000
At the High Level Consultative Council (HLCC) meeting on Thursday, President Lt Gen Ian Khama hailed the tremendous determination and spirit that was displayed by Isaac Makwala in the face of his "unfair" barring by the IAAF from running in the 400m final and 200m qualifier this week. The President informed the meeting that it had been decided to reward Makwala with the P 100,000 gold medal incentive that he would have been otherwise entitled to if he had won the race. Government position is that Makwala was denied a chance to compete for the prize hence the decision to reward him.
The President also thanked the domestic and international media, officials and members of public for their support which had been rewarded with last night's special run. The President also announced that a special day will be scheduled in the near future to honour Makwala. Meanwhile interviewed and quoted elsewhere, the IAAF World Athletics Championships 2017, Wayde van Niekerk said wished he could give 400m gold to Isaac Makwala.
"I really wish him a speedy recovery. On Monday, I saw him just before the 200m heats and the only thing I could think of was wrapping my arms around him and saying get well soon because I wouldn’t wish that on anyone," van Niekerk was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "It is such a massive pity. Obviously, there are a lot of fingers that are being pointed right now. I would allow him to have his fair opportunity. I wish he could have run. I wish I could give him my medal to be honest. But this is sport. We all have disappointments, we all have tough times – we just have to fight back even harder,” he added.
Sport
Gloves off as Minister Rakgare blasts Zakhem, Jagdish
Minister Tumiso Rakgare, the Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture Minister, has declared war on Botswana Football League (BFL) Chairman Nicolas Zakhem and league treasurer Jagdish Shah, accusing them of disrupting the local football scene. He proclaimed, “We must confront these individuals who are wreaking havoc on football.” He further stated that the local football governing body is seemingly shielding these individuals.
In December 2023, the Botswana Premier League found itself embroiled in a controversy that sparked outrage among the clubs. This controversy was ignited by the league board’s autocratic decision to reduce the number of teams from 16 to 12 for the 2023/2024 season. The clubs were so incensed that they threatened to boycott league games.
Zakhem and Shah, in response to the shareholders’ move, took BFL shareholders to court, challenging their removal from the BFL board.
At the launch of Ashford Mamelodi’s book, ‘PROTECTING THE GAME’, Rakgare expressed his views, stating, “When we say protecting the game, we must indeed protect it. We must confront those who have disrupted our football by taking football matters to court ‘head on’, if we fail to do this, we are doing injustice to our football.”
He further lamented, “I am losing faith in the leadership of local football and I am saying this without fear or favour because we have individuals who seem to be protected by our local football governing body. Those people recently dragged football matters to court but are still recognized as football leaders. How can this be possible?”
Rakgare also pointed out that there are people who have been relentless in their pursuit of some of the clubs, even to the point of stripping them of their resources. This has left players relying on club equipment to play football and support their families struggling to meet their obligations.
“They have dreams of playing abroad to earn more money, but issues like these set them back. We have individuals like Tumisang Orebonye who are currently raising the country’s flag high and we have individuals such as Maano Ditshupo who have used their football skills to build a clinic in their home village. Imagine such a person being denied the opportunity to play football,” he noted.
Rakgare, expressing his determination, stated, “I am saying this with an open mind, I know some of them in the past threatened to support my political opponents at Mogoditshane, I don’t care, I will take them head on because I am ready as it is about Botswana,” he emphasized.
Zakhem, in response to Rakgare’s ‘persistent interference’ in football matters, pointed out that it poses a significant obstacle to the advancement of local football. He disclosed an instance where Rakgare publicly aired views on football matters on national television, insinuating that foreigners were dominating local football.
“He said live on national television that foreigners are the ones running local football, he was talking about me and Jagdish Shah. How can you go live on TV and say that? I am sorry to say that we are citizens of this country,” Zakhem retorted.
On the other hand, Rakgare noted that he has lost count of the number of esteemed sport administrators, politicians, and other leaders who, at the end of their careers, have threatened to author and publish books but have yet to follow through.
“In my world, Mr. Mamelodi, you join a very prestigious league of Batswana men and women such as the late former President Sir Quett Ketumile Masire (may his good soul rest in peace), Mr David Magang and Dr. Margaret Nasha, who through their books have ensured that many future generations of Batswana can benefit from their experiences and wisdom,” Rakgare concluded.
According to Rakgare, Bra Ash has spent more years in football administration than he has lived on planet earth. “Throughout his four decades of football administration, Bro Ash has worked with tens, if not hundreds of leaders that not only shaped football in Botswana, the region and the continent, but some whom have gone on to hold very important positions such as those of political leaders. In addition, I am talking of the likes of legislators Ray Matlapeng Molomo (may his soul rest in peace) and Philip Makgalemele; both from Botswana as well as Bomber Mthethwa from Eswatini, to name but a few,” he praised.
Sport
Zebras’ goal drought cause for concern
The Zebras have found themselves in a goal-scoring rut, drawing blanks in their recent international friendly tournament against Burundi and Rwanda in Madagascar. This lacklustre performance has raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the impending 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
In the world of football, the number of goals a team scores often dictates the game’s outcome. The ability to successfully navigate the opposing team’s defence and find the back of the net significantly boosts a team’s chances of victory.
However, the Zebras’ upcoming matches against Uganda and Somalia in June promise to be pivotal for their World Cup qualification bid. Therefore, it’s crucial for the team to start scoring if they aim to advance.
The Zebras’ head coach, Didier Da Rosa, has already demonstrated his mettle in his tenure, despite a rocky start. His first assignment was a 3-2 loss to Mozambique in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers opener in November 2023. Despite the defeat, Da Rosa saw potential in the team’s performance.
A week later, the Zebras bounced back with a commendable 1-0 victory over continental powerhouse, Guinea. This win at Obed Chilume Stadium signalled the Zebras’ readiness to compete at an international level.
With the World Cup qualifiers looming, observers believe Da Rosa needs to step up the team’s preparations. The upcoming matches against Somalia and Uganda are expected to be intense, and the Zebras cannot afford to be complacent.
The Zebras’ captain, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, which could be a significant setback. However, his return to the team could provide a much-needed morale boost.
In addition, the inclusion of midfielder Brandon Wilson could be a game-changer, provided his citizenship documentation is finalised in time. Da Rosa has praised Wilson’s skills, stating, “Wilson’s mastery of the field, his spatial awareness, and ball reception mark him as a midfield marvel. His strategic positioning is a lesson in discipline, a skill set our team can greatly benefit from.”
Upon his return from Madagascar, Da Rosa expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We picked up a lot of positives from the tournament. We managed to evaluate a few individuals. It was a very tactical tournament, we didn’t concede any goal but we didn’t score any goal, which is a worrying factor. I need to find solutions in that department as it is the most key aspect of the game as goals win you matches.”
Da Rosa also acknowledged the physicality of the matches, particularly the encounter with Rwanda. “I am positive about how we played but I feel we still need to play more matches so that we get up to the standard. We are anticipating the return of Ditlhokwe, Gape Mohutsiwa and Mpho Kgaswane who could play a vital role in our quest to cause an upset when we face Uganda and Somalia in June,” he said.
The Zebras’ 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group is a tough one, with formidable opponents like Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, and Uganda. These teams are packed with players based in Europe, and each player will need to bring their best performance to secure a place in these crucial matches.
The Zebras’ journey to the World Cup will be a challenging one, but with the right preparation and mindset, they have the potential to make their mark on the international stage.
Sport
Cycling for the TKC starts 15 April 2024
Preparations for the ‘Cycling for the TKC event’ are at advanced stages as 30 cyclists from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa prepare themselves to endure the 1900km ride from Pretoria to the Walvis Bay via Lobatse in Botswana. The cycling challenge will start on April 15 to April 28, 2024. As one of the activities identified to commemorate 20 years since the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) member states signed an agreement to coordinate and manage TKC, the cycling event is expected to bring awareness of the corridor thereby marketing the corridor within the member states and beyond. The event will be conducted under the theme ‘Transforming the TKC into an economic corridor.’ Commenting on the theme,
The Executive Director of the Trans Corridor Secretariat Mr. Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu stated that the corridor transverses through some of the low-income communities and therefore the corridor is expected to inject economic impetus on these communities thereby creating much needed jobs, be it informal or formal employment. The objectives of the event are to promote spatial development initiatives on the Trans Kalahari Corridor and to create an increased awareness and usage of the TKC for both trade and tourism thereby increasing the volumes on the TKC. ‘ It is important to promote sustainable tourism and events like this are key in promoting tourism, economic growth, the environment as well as conservation. By showcasing the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the corridor, the event will foster deeper appreciation of the unique regions the corridor passes through’. Said Mr. Mpofu. Other objectives of the event include obtaining Member State commitment to the economic development through spatial development initiatives along the TKC, to promote road safety on the TKC in line with the UN Second Decade of Action for Road Safety as well as the African Union Road Safety Charter as well as to create a hype for the commemoration of the 20 years anniversary.
A Pledge to be signed by the ministers responsible for transport on behalf of their citizens to promote spatial development iniatitves, and committing to the development of the TKC will be handed over to the ministers for signature by the cyclists at Pretoria, Lobatse and Walvis Bay respectively. The cyclists will stop at several towns and villages along the corridor to engage with the community. Safety measures and protocols will be implemented to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants and these will include but not limited to police escort, medical support, route supervision and support. Measures have also been taken to ensure that the ride is memorable and enjoyable to all participants. Cycling clubs along the corridors members of the public who are interested are also encouraged to cycles with the key riders either to meet them before they arrive in settlement / town or to ride with them as the leave a settlement/town for a distance they so wish. Organizations, companies and public entities are also invited to participate through sponsorships.
The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) is a secretariat of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee (TKCMC), a corridor management institution (CMI) that was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The TKCS coordinates the implementation of the TKCMC trade and transport facilitation work programme. The CMI also is mandated to promote the Trans Kalahari Corridor which stretches about 1900 km from Gauteng, South Africa, across Botswana and ends at the Walvis Bay, Namibia.