The shortage of female athletes in SA worries athletics coach Hendrick Ramaala

Despite establishing a thriving training group at Zoo Lake, it predominantly consists of male runners.

Ramaala aspires to integrate female runners into his program; however, the primary hurdle lies in securing adequate funding to support his initiative.

For instance, Athletics South Africa (ASA) announced the selection of 36 athletes to represent the nation at the World Senior Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in August. Notably, twelve of the chosen athletes were female.

Ramaala conveyed his disappointment regarding the scarcity of female athletes and articulated a strong desire to establish a specialized women’s training group in collaboration with his wife. However, he acknowledged the manifold challenges associated with such an undertaking, underscoring the critical necessity for funding to initiate the program.

Ramaala outlined the indispensable financial components, encompassing transportation, accommodation, supplements, and food.  

Bringing attention to the unique safety concerns faced by female athletes, he highlighted the heightened responsibility and care required in comparison to their female counterparts, who typically return home after training.

“We must urgently tackle these challenges, recognizing the significant presence of female athletes in major championships and advocating for proactive measures. These are my perspectives on addressing these challenges. I’ve discussed this with several coaches, and we unanimously agree that funding is the key solution.  I aspire to initiate a training group like the Comrades, Two Oceans, Soweto Marathon, and track and field. However, the lack of funding makes this endeavour nearly impossible. Every time ASA announces a team for a major championship, I observe the composition and realize the shortage of female athletes, signifying the need for a change,” expressed Ramaala during his interview with SABC Sport.

“With financial support, I can begin identifying promising female athletes and closing the existing gap.  The key to making this vision a reality lies in securing adequate funding. Provide the necessary funds, and we will create a positive impact, much like we have successfully done with male athletes. Talent abounds in our country; the primary obstacle is the lack of funding,” empathized Ramaala.