Ghana cyclist champion, Michael Naaba has revealed the stress they go through to participate in the African Games.
According to Naaba who didn’t finish his race due to a faulty bike, they used their own money to buy home used tubes to fix bikes for the race and it affected them.
“One of my roommates have a race and we went to the market to get a used tube for his bicycle and I can’t even assure if he will complete the race with it or not. If he completes it then it’s God’s blessing,” he said on Connect 97.1 FM.
Naaba however indicated that they were promised new equipment including Bikes for the African Games but none has been delivered so far.
“We were promised new bikes before the competition. I personally sent out complaints on my bike to the coaches and they told me Government will provide some so we shouldn’t worry. So I even used a bike a somebody gave me for the main event to train with hopes of getting a new one.
“Before the race, my bike was not faulty but the tube was old, it was patched so it was not in good condition but because there was no option, I had to use it like that,” he added.
Addressing issues relating to the various problems athletes are facing, Sports Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif said the Cycling Federation didn’t put in any request regarding equipment for the African Games after all Federations were asked to do so.
Ghana are hoping to win a medal in Cycling after a disappointing start.
By Francis Hema