Two African coaches cry foul at the World Championship

William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Doha, Qatar. (Courtesy Black Panther Energy Drink and Fly Emirates)

Doha, Nov 11, GNA - Two African coaches at the on-going World Weightlifting Championship have expressed their disaffection with the absence of enough representation on the technical committee of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for international events. Salim Musoke of Uganda and Pious Ochieng who spoke to the GNA Sports said the IWF has for the past years ignored technical officials, especially "the blacks", adding that they have been sidelined for too long.

Mr Musoke said the presence of technical officials from advanced countries on the technical committee created an unfair platform for all competitors to excel.

"I'm questioning the competence of the men on the jury, but I think some Africans especially those from the south of the Sahara are equally qualified and deserves a call up". Mr Musoke stated. He said he as an example, adding that "I'm well qualified for the job but the IWF has refused to give me an invitation to officiate at any international event despite the numerous applications". According to Mr Musoke, the sport cannot develop if technical officials from south of the Sahara are continuously sidelined from such major events.

Mr Musoke suggested a quota system for selection of technical official for international games since over reliance on the developed countries alone could kill the game in Africa.

"We are tired of seeing the same faces as technical officials at every international event, hence the need for the introduction of new faces".

Supported by Ochieng they called on the IWF to take their suggestion into serious consideration so as to help develop and promote the sport on the continent.