Makwala pursues P40,000 for breaking records
Former African champion, Isaac Makwala has approached the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) in a bid to get P40,000 as payment for breaking continental records in 2014 and 2015. The 2018 Commonwealth Games 400m gold medalist said he had inquired with BAA intending to receive his overdue incentive.
Local athletes receive P10,000 for breaking a regional record and P20,000 for setting new marks in African competitions.
“Yes, I have inquired about the issue. The BAA said they will make a follow-up,” Makwala said.
The BAA is expected to submit a claim with the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC). Makwala approached the BAA after Mmegi Sport carried an article last week that 17-year-old Letsile Tebogo was due to receive P10,000 for breaking a regional record.
Tebogo is the new 100m champion after breaking Makwala’s record, and acting BNSC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho indicated he would receive the cash incentive for breaking a regional record. There is no prize money for breaking a local record although Serufho indicated the sport body is prepared to review its policy “to see if it is still relevant”.
On the Makwala issue, Serufho said it was up to the BAA to submit a claim. “The policy (on athletes’ incentives) has long been shared with NSAs (National Sport Associations). NSAs are responsible for submitting claims/invoices,” he said. BAA vice president, Oabona Theetso, however, said he was not aware of Makwala’s claim. “I am not aware of any debt between him and the BNSC. If there is any, he is advised to go to the office (BAA) for assistance. The BAA will then submit (the claim) on his behalf,” Theetso said. Makwala set a continental record in the 400m when he ran 43.72 in Switzerland in 2015. He had set the record at 44.01 in July 2014. The incentives were introduced in 2012, which means Makwala could soon be smiling all the way to the bank.