Parliament on Monday demanded the whereabouts of Nijel Amos, the 800m sprinter who won the silver medal during the 2012 Olympic Games in London to occasion delight for the first time amongst Batswana.
Alongside Amantle Montsho who minted the most desirable gold medal at World Athletic championships in 2011, the pair was to become the local household names for many aspiring athletes to look up to. But Amos has since gone into oblivion.
Presenting his Ministry’s budget proposal, Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Shaw Kgathi would pile praise for Montsho and other distinguished athletes, but avoided mention of Amos.
“I have heard you talk more of Amantle without the mention of Amos ….and one would like to know the whereabout of this young man,” demanded Kanye North Member of Parliament, Kentse Rammidi.
“Even if the athlete could be wallowing in money and leading a wayward life as parents you should be nurturing and mentoring him to lead him into the right way,” he added, taking a swipe at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture for allowing Amos’s talent to go to waste.
Delivering the budget proposal, Kgathi promised Batswana of another good 2013/14 for Botswana sport, with athletes from various sport codes excelling in the regional continental and international competitions.
“The men and women’s National Volleyball progressed to the final qualification for World Volleyball Championships where they each finished in position three. Amantle Montsho continues to raise our flag in international competitions. She successfully defended her Diamond League title and won a silver medal at World Athletics Championships in 2013,” he said.
Kgathi also heaped praise on Khaya Groth who won a bronze medal at the 2013 Commonwealth Karate Championship.
“Other athletes who did well during the year under review include Tracy Chaba who is playing professional volleyball in Algeria, Allister Walker of Squash who is based in Europe and Hilda Binang of Netball who be playing in Singapore Netball league from 21st April to 26th May 2014 to name a few,” he added.
