US-based track sensation, Shaun Maswanganyi, faces possible withdrawal from SA’s Olympic Games team after throwing tantrums over accommodation and leaving his compatriots high and dry at the African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameron.
The 23-year-old Maswanganyi – who was scheduled to take part in the relay race at the African champs – which started yesterday and will end of Wednesday, was so unhappy about sharing a bed with fellow Team SA member that he pulled out of the competition.
He left relay and sprint coach Paul Gorries seething and scrambling to find his replacement.
US-based athlete was unhappy with accommodation
According to sources in Cameron, the former St Alban’s College pupil and current University of Houstin student and athlete was so angry about his accommodation set-up that he called bigwigs at Athletics South Africa (ASA), the South African South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) and then his coach in the US, who apparently booked him a ticket out of Douala.
His tantrum shocked teammates and management alike who are all staying at Faya Hotel and are sharing beds as per the host country’s arrangements.
“This affects everyone in the team, not just Shaun,” said a source who refused to be named for fear of reprisals.
“Even other teams such as Ethiopia, Morocco who are also staying at the hotel, were affected,” added the source.
The team’s management is so shocked by his behaviour that his inclusion to represent South Africa at the Olympics Games at the end of next month hangs in the balance.
Another source on the ground in Cameroon said the team management viewed Maswanganyi’s conduct as setting a bad example, saying it should be nipped in the bud.
A total of 65 SA athletes are competing at the championships.
“The Africa Senior Championships were a chance for the relay team to prepare for the Olympics Games and to see how well they work together. Instead, the coach had to find a replacement for Shaun at the 11th hour,” said the source.
He robbed another athlete of a chance to participate in championships
“What is even more disappointing is that he has robbed another athlete of a chance to participate in the championship. He could have just not accept the invitation to participate in the race and gave the opportunity to someone else.”
Head of delegation Sabata Kumalo confirmed that Maswanganyi did not participate in the relay race as scheduled after leaving Cameroon because he was unsatisfied with the accommodation arrangements.
“After he raised his concerns, we did two things. We talked to the hotel if they could assist with a single bed for him, and the hotel said they would see what they could do,” Kumalo told Sunday World.
“The team management also took the initiative and called a team meeting. We addressed the team that this was beyond the team management’s control. Some African countries provide accommodation in this way and is normal for them.
“We also brought to the attention of all team members that everyone else is going through the same hospitality as provided by the hosts,” said Sabata.
Sabata said as the head of delegation, he will submit the performance report compiled by the team management which will include this incident.
“ASA will then decide what to do with it,” he said.
Maswangayi said he was on a flight and was not able to respond on Saturday evening when contacted. He said he will be able to respond on Sunday. He had not responded at the time of publishing the story.
