Athletics coach Hennie Kriel concerned with the lack of development in the sport

Following Team SA’s disappointing performance at the recently concluded World Senior Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where a delegation of 36 athletes represented Athletics South Africa, Kriel expressed his view to SABC Sport.

He asserted that responsibility for the subpar performance should be shared among the coaches, athletes, and the national federation.

Kriel, who celebrated his 67th birthday on August 29, holds the distinguished title of a World Athletics level 3 sprint coach, backed by an impressive 33 years of coaching experience.  

He expressed concerns about the insufficient training facilities available from the school level through to the senior ranks.

“We have genuine concerns about the state of sprinting in our country, particularly when it comes to our female sprinters. The recent disappointing performance in Budapest has raised some alarming issues that demand our attention.

It’s crucial that we don’t become complacent after such setbacks. In terms of international competition, we acknowledge that we’re not currently where we should be.

South Africa possesses a wealth of talent, but we face challenges, including inadequate facilities in township schools and concerns about coaching,” Kriel said during an interview with the national broadcaster.

Kriel, the coach of former South African 200m champion Banele Shabangu, Eckhart Potgieter, and Sinesipho Dambile, is overseeing a training group of eight athletes. Kriel proposes the idea of convening a national coaching Indaba to explore strategies aimed at supporting these athletes.

“As a coach, I am willing to accept responsibility and believe it’s crucial to initiate a nationwide strategy dialogue involving fellow coaches and the national federation. I have engaged in conversations with international coaches, exchanging ideas to enhance our athletes’ performance.

Notably, my athlete, Dambile, secured a spot in the 200m semi-final at the world championships. It’s important to acknowledge that we are not without hope, and there are no shortcuts to success. Achieving organized and sustainable success is a long-term endeavour that requires dedication.

Athletes must consistently perform, and coaches must be held accountable when their charges don’t excel, given our regular interactions with them. We all share responsibility,” Kriel emphasized.

Kriel cautioned against premature excitement for Paris 2024, citing the absence of any medals for ASA in the world championships of Doha 2019, Oregon 2021, and the current 2023 event in Budapest.

He expressed concern that a similar scenario could unfold as it did in the Tokyo Olympics, resulting in a deal-less finish. Kriel’s optimism and aspiration are now pinned on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.