Wheelchair bound Ramohibidu blasts BFA
Ivy Matlho | Thursday January 14, 2016 12:05
The leftback was part of the history making Zebras that represented Botswana at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
He expressed disappointment over the BFA’s failure to support him in his darkest hour despite the starring role he played for the Zebras.
“It is painful to see people you have shown commitment towards not giving you support when you are in a situation like this,” he said.
He said as national team players they are expected to make sacrifices for their nation, but when they need support they receive less.
“We represent our country well even when we are not paid enough. This shows our loyalty, but when we need support we do not receive it,” he said.
He said the BFA’s failure to support players facing challenges has the potential to deter young players from pursuing football.
“The BFA has never assisted me financially or even pay me visit when I was admitted. This can affect our football because it looks like players are only important when they are physically fit,” he said.
He said he is also worried that even his team FC Satmos has shown little support towards him. “I understand I did not have any contract with the team, but I got involved in this accident while I was still their player but they are not giving me enough support,” he said. Ramohibidu said even if the BFA and Satmos do not provide financial support, he will appreciate emotional support.
“I am not asking for money from BFA or Satmos. I will appreciate any kind of support they will give me,” he said.
Ramohibidu said the accident affected his spinal cord, arms and legs which forced him to use a wheel chair.
He was admitted at Princess Marina Hospital for five months after the accident left him in a critical state.
He is unsure if he will ever play football again. He, however, said his health has improved as he can now feel his legs though he is still unable to move them.
Ramohibidu, who played for several teams locally including BMC, BDF XI and FC Satmos, said that his football career is dependant on improvement in his health.
“My main focus now is to recover. I am not in a position to state whether I will continue playing football or not. My decision will be determined by my recovery,” he said.
“I have passion for football as it has played a major role in my life. This accident has affected my football career because I cannot play now,” he said.
Ramohibidu said although he did not have any contract with Satmos, he will continue playing for the team as he works in Selebi-Phikwe.
Satmos chairperson, Monnakgotla Mojaki refused to comment on Ramohibidu’s issue when contacted for comment.
BFA chief executive officer, Kitso Kemoeng said Ramohibidu’s issue is on their agenda.
“At the moment, we have not done anything to assist the player but it is an urgent item we are going to discuss at the next NEC meeting. We have not yet engaged the footballers’ union to see how we can help the player,” he said.