Blantyre, Malawi, July 10: Africa Union Sports Council (AUS) Region Five president has criticised Malawi decision not to take part in 2015 Congo-Brazzaville All Africa Games to be held in the month of September.
AUS chief, Vetumbuavi Veii reportedly raised the concerns in a speech in Blantyre during the induction of Malawi sports sector into the Podium Performance Programme mid this week.
Veii said he was let down when he learnt reports that Malawi and some undisclosed countries will not participate in Congo-Brazzaville All Africa Games.
AUS chief, Vetumbuavi Veii reportedly raised the concerns in a speech in Blantyre during the induction of Malawi sports sector into the Podium Performance Programme mid this week.
Veii said he was let down when he learnt reports that Malawi and some undisclosed countries will not participate in Congo-Brazzaville All Africa Games.
But surprisingly, in a veiled reference to Malawi, he said yet, the country had taken part in the last Commonwealth Games that were in Scotland.
He reportedly advised Africa countries sports authorities on the need to change their mindset by prioritising participation in the sporting events that takes place closer to home.
He further said surprisingly the same countries will be sending their athletes to 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
“As Africans we have to change the way we think; charity begins at home. Next time you will be on the plane going to Brazil for 2016 Olympics Games, yet you cannot go to African competition. Remember that first and foremost your are Africans,” said Veii, as quoted by the Friday edition of The Nation.
Malawi previously, in 2011 also failed to take part in the 10 edition of the Games that were held in Mozambique as it was barred by organizers due to failure to settle affiliation fee that had accumulated to US$60 000.
According to online edition of The Nation published Friday, Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) chairperson, James Chuma and his executive director, George Jana remained tight-lipped when AUS president raised the concern on the matter.
Burt Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Jameson Ndalama was allegedly elusive to shed light on the matter, instead blamed lack of collective planning by the stakeholders.
He reportedly advised Africa countries sports authorities on the need to change their mindset by prioritising participation in the sporting events that takes place closer to home.
He further said surprisingly the same countries will be sending their athletes to 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
“As Africans we have to change the way we think; charity begins at home. Next time you will be on the plane going to Brazil for 2016 Olympics Games, yet you cannot go to African competition. Remember that first and foremost your are Africans,” said Veii, as quoted by the Friday edition of The Nation.
Malawi previously, in 2011 also failed to take part in the 10 edition of the Games that were held in Mozambique as it was barred by organizers due to failure to settle affiliation fee that had accumulated to US$60 000.
According to online edition of The Nation published Friday, Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) chairperson, James Chuma and his executive director, George Jana remained tight-lipped when AUS president raised the concern on the matter.
Burt Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Jameson Ndalama was allegedly elusive to shed light on the matter, instead blamed lack of collective planning by the stakeholders.
By: Joel Chirwa
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