Rathedi returns for another Paralympics milestone

Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday December 17, 2022 06:00

His presence was felt during the recent AUSC Region 5 Games in Malawi.

Officially, his team brought home nine medals (three gold, four silver and two bronze) but the number was reduced as some events were classified as non-medals.

Rathedi told Mmegi Sport that it is good to be back since the Paralympics Association of Botswana (PASSOBO) has always been home. “That is why I never say no to the team when it wants my services.

After all, I am the founder of the movement. It is important to note that I brought, as a coach, the first ever gold medal from the Olympic/Paralympic Games when Tshotlego Morama won gold and a world record from the Athens Games in 2004,” he said.

Rathedi said it was incredible to work with the young team for the first time and it felt like they have been together for many years.

He said what made the reunion more exciting was the presence of Carter Mabote, the athlete that he worked with for the Rio 2016 Games. “Mabote works with athletes all the time and that made it easier for me to be part of the group.

It was also due to the warm welcome I received from the PASSOBO management,” Rathedi said. He added the good thing is that most of the athletes are based in Mochudi where they work closely with assistant coach, Beauty Gakekgonwe.

Rathedi said they managed to create a family sort of atmosphere where they joked a lot but understood the business at hand and what needs to be done. “It was, therefore, easy for them to appreciate the principles of training. What made it very easy for me is that I had athletes who followed instructions,” he said. Rathedi said the team could have won a further seven or more medals.

Unfortunately, seven of the events were considered non-medal because some of the countries were not able to bring the required number of athletes. When asked what was next after the Region 5 medal haul, Rathedi said it is up to PASSOBO to retain him as their coach or not. “But of course, I would love to stay since I understand there are a couple of important international assignments next year.

One thing I have already discussed with Mabote and his guide colleagues is that we cater for athletes living with disability who are also outside the school environment,” he said. Rathedi said many such athletes need to be captured and retained. He said in the meantime he is happy to be coaching the PASSOBO team.