World Relays trip divides BAA

Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday April 27, 2024 06:00

The relays are set for the Robinson National Stadium in Nassau from May 4-5. It has emerged that the BAA executive committee is divided over the appointment of a safeguarding officer over a psychologist.

The Bahamas team has been finalised, but a psychologist is not part of it. The inclusion of a psychologist is regarded as crucial for athletes' welfare and performance.

On the other hand, the role of a safeguarding officer is to protect athletes from physical, mental, or emotional abuse. The BAA president, Moses Bantsi, reportedly appointed Olebogeng Oitebetse as the safeguarding officer for the relay team. “Oitebetse worked closely with Bantsi during elections.

The psychologist, Dr Violet Lebane who is also a safeguarding officer, has been working with the BAA since 2020 and has been appointed to the BAA medical team (sport science) committee,” a source told MmegiSport. Contacted for comment, Oitebetse said she was not aware of her appointment until she received formal communication.

She said those who are against her appointment should consult the World Athletics for her safeguarding qualifications. “Apart from the World Athletics safeguarding certificate, I have FIFA safeguarding certificate, WASBO, and Sport Management Agency (SMA) certificate in safeguarding locally,” she said.

Oitebetse stated that safeguarding is a World Athletics requirement that is enforced at the relays moving forward. Responding to the allegations, Bantsi said he was not involved in the team selection or appointing of the safeguarding officer. “Oitebetse appointment has nothing to do with me.

People must be aware that it is a requirement by the World Athletics that each team must have a safeguarding officer, but a psychologist is just a requirement by us here,” he said. Bantsi said according to information he received from the BAA office, Oitebetse was the only qualified safeguarding officer at the deadline on April 15.

Meanwhile, Bantsi said he could only take the blame for including Isaac Makwala in the relay team. “I requested that Makwala should be included in the team because it needed a leader. We cannot discard him when he is still active,” Bantsi said. Makwala is part of the mixed relay team after he had initially announced his retirement.