Hendrick Ramaala backs Precious Mashele to bounce back

The Limpopo-born athlete, who is also the reigning national men's 21km champion and former10km champion, is expected to make his official return at the Absa Run Your City 10km event in Gqeberha on 13 April.

Ramaala acknowledged that Mashele's struggles last year were significant, but expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back, while refusing to confirm a return date.

"[Mashele] has been going through a challenging phase, like many athletes do. However, we're actively working with him, and you can expect to see a new and improved Precious this year," Ramaala told SABC Sport.

"We will announce when he is ready to compete in a public race, but for now, he's not quite there. I believe it's best to stay quiet and avoid discussing too much about him at this point. 

"What I can say is that we're focused on helping him get back to his peak form and return to the runner he once was."

The four-time Olympian said he's not the type of coach to allow athletes to wallow in self-pity, and instead focuses on building their confidence. 

"We’ll come back stronger with him. Experience matters, but let’s just say he’s – well, I can’t say too much. Mashele is a private person who loves what he does. 

"He doesn’t want his personal matters out in the public eye. We don’t believe in complaining or making excuses; we believe in hard work, and that's exactly how he approaches it. 

"He’s quiet and doesn’t complain. I told him that in sport, hard work pays off eventually, and that’s exactly what he’s showing now. I also told him that if he feels overlooked or forgotten, it’s his responsibility to come back and remind everyone who he is.

"You need to step up, show your skills, and win something big. People will support you again. Blaming others isn't going to help—that's just part of sport, with its ups and downs.

"You must keep your focus, go back to work, and come back stronger. That's what we're doing at Zoo Lake, we're working."

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