BOXING HITS OUT
Coach Luza questions Choppies’ criteria
Boxing National Team coach, Master Luza, has expressed concern about the criteria used by Choppies to award incentives to athletes competing at the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
This Tuesday, the super retailer pledged incentives to athletes who will reach the finals and make podium finish. Gold medallist will walk away with P1 000 000, Silver P500 000, Bronze P250 000 and a P25 000 consolation prize for all the finalists.
According to Luza, in athletics, a final is made up of eight athletes but different in boxing because the finalists are only the top two. He said it is a very tough feat to attain while other codes will easily reach the semi-finals.
“Athletics do heats, semifinals then in the finals which
is made up of eight runners. Boxers usually do preliminaries, last 16, then top 8, which are the quarter finals, semis then finals. For boxers to reach the semis, they go through a lot of stages. Athletics final is boxing quarterfinal. This criteria needs to be clarified,” said Luza as he wished all athletes goodluck.
When reached for a comment, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) President, Colonel Botsang Tshenyego, said the coach may have a compelling case. He said no formal query has been made but it can be discussed to find a lasting solution.
“A special dispensation may be made looking at their reasons. It is like the issue of the relay team which consists of six athletes and the sponsor clarified it that in the event that they win a medal, the athletes will share the money among themselves. If they reach the final and not win a medal, they will in
dividually get P25 000,” said Tshenyego.
Speaking at the announcement of the incentives, Choppies Marketing Manager, Katlego Gaborone, said they were inspired by the zeal and the drive shown by athletes in this competition. She said this is also part of their Corporate Social Responsibility and they have always supported Botswana sport from grassroots level.
When asked why they always give incentives after athletes had qualified, Gaborone said for the past three years Choppies has been taking care of Baboloki Thebe’s overall wellbeing. She said they have been taking care of his rentals, food and his other necessities and so far have spent around P300 000.
The Olympics will be held from the 23rd of July to the 8th of August. Botswana’s target is two medals, from the 15 athletes who have qualified.