BY EZE CHRISTIAN
The Deputy President of South Africa Athletics Federation, (SAAF) John Mathane has asserted that his contingents leaving the Games Village for hotel accomodation for both athletes and officials was for exclusive reserve of their strategies to avoid revealing their game plans and not for a inhuman treatment by the host country as being alleged by some South African news men.
Mathane said this yesterday in a press conference at MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, venue of the Confederation of Africa Athletics Championships for U-18/20 events as they left accommodation at the designated Games Village provided by the LOC to enable them to concentrate on winning the CAA U-18/20 Championships.
John Mathane said they needed to change accommodation to enable his athletes avoid distractions from their Nigerian competitors and also to live closer to the MKO Abiola Stadium.
This follows a report by a South African newspaper that the South African athletes vacated the Games Village located at Redemption camp, Mowe-Ibafo, Ogun State due to inhabitable condition of the games village.
But, Mathane said, “We have absolutely nothing against the accommodations provided we are glad with it. We removed ourselves from the village because Nigeria is following us too much, in training they are there, even when we go to the restroom they are there.
“Our decision was strategic. We wanted to minimize travel time, conserve energy, and give our athletes the best chance to perform at their peak. It had nothing to do with discomfort or complaints. Nigeria has been a wonderful host.
“We decided to accommodate our athletes near the stadium so that we could concentrate on the championships and also not travel for one one hour to the hostels. We didn’t have problems, no problem at all with the athletes’ village.
“As a matter of fact, we left the games village for tactical reasons so that the Nigerian athletes would not discover our winning secret,” Mathane jovially said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Mr. Lamine Faty commended Nigeria for its outstanding effort in organizing the championship on relatively short notice.
Faty said the National Sports Council (NSC), under the dynamic and resolute leadership of Hon. Bukola Olopade demonstrated remarkable transparency by facilitating the press briefing and allowing facts to speak over speculation.
“We have been very happy to have Nigeria onboard,” one official declared. The energy, coordination, and commitment displayed here are remarkable.”
“With each passing day of the championship, Nigeria continues to show not only its prowess on the track but also its maturity in administration and hospitality.
“Hon. Olopade and the NSC have turned every challenge into a victory lap, reaffirming the nation’s stature as a reliable powerhouse in African athletics.”
