'Snake incident had jeopardised our participation'

South African boxer Siphiwe Lusizi said they were completely rattled after a snake was found in one of the rooms of the Village and that the incident had put their participation in the Commonwealth Games in jeopardy.

On Sunday, South African High Commissioner Harris Mbulelo Mejeke had claimed that a snake was found in a room in the residential towers, earmarked for their athletes and Lusizi said it was only after being pacified by the team officials that they were able to relax.

"When the snake incident happened. Everyone in the team was scared and wanted to go back home and there were doubts over our participation. But the team official and coaches told us to relax. They convinced us that nothing will happen and we were at ease after that," he said.

However, Lusizi, who is participating in the welterweight (69kg) category, said after he arrvived at the village all his doubts were cleared as facilities here were top-class.

"After arrival what we have experienced is that it is very good facilities here. Food, dining, lodging and training facilities, everything is top class," he said.

Team official Nkosinushi Welcome Hiletswayo also gave a thumbs-up to the facilities and said the athletes are having a good time at the village.

"We are enjoying our stay here. It has been very good till now. There were no problem are. The facilities are wonderful here and all the athletes are very happy with their stay," he said.

On Sunday, Mejeke had said that they have grave concerns about staying at the village.

"We can't go and stay till things are fixed up. We have very grave concerns. If snakes are found we can't ask our teams to stay there. Yesterday we found a snake but I don't know whether it was an Indian snake. But it was there in one of our rooms," Mejeke had said before entering the Village.