Athletes fund Coach Thabo Matebedi's trip for Italy training camp
29th August 2025
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Reigning African Coach of the Year, Thabo Matebedi has revealed to SABC Sport that his athletes Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, and Gift Leotlela have funded his trip to Italy to assist them ahead of the World Championships.
With the World Senior Champs scheduled from 13–21 September in Tokyo, they want their coach nearby to guide their preparations.
Many South African coaches often miss out on overseas training camps due to funding challenges, but Matebedi considers himself fortunate that his athletes are stepping in to make it possible.
"So, what happens is that the athletes have the contracts with their manager and then they also have a contract with the coach, so, one of the things in this contract is that they are using their funds to pay for the coach to travel with them to a big championship,” Matebedi said.
“So, they choose which big championship they need their coach and then the money is from the athletes. So, three of them, what they do is the manager will look at how much it costs and then they will pay for me but the spending money is athletes' money, there's no formal sponsor. The athletes are using their own money to fly me there."
Speaking to SABC Sport, Matebedi explained the special bond he shares with his athletes, saying he always tries to ease their financial burden by skipping some overseas trips when necessary.
He admits that while they take care of his travel expenses, he makes a conscious effort not to overstretch their budgets.
"The marriage between the coach and athletes is very important. So, most of the trips I didn't go with them this year because I'm trying to save money for them as much as possible,” the coach added.
“I can't just fly with them anytime when I feel like flying because they will end up losing a lot of money on my flights and accomodation and food. So, we prioritise on which one they really need the coach there, like things like the championships, all the championships I must be available.
“Remember at the championships also I didn't go with Gauteng North, I went to Poscheftroom with their own finances. They paid for my accomodation even though I still used the school car to go there but the boys paid for accomodation and food."
