Elvis Khoza on the challenge of organising a training camp with limited resources

Khoza, who coaches Olympian Ryan Mphahlele, has opened up about the challenges of running a large-scale training camp with minimal support.

The passionate development coach was part of Team South Africa at the World Senior Championships in Tokyo in September, where Mphahlele made his debut on the global stage.

The training camp, which runs from 15 December to 8 January, accommodates about 150 athletes competing in the 800m, 1500m and 400m events across various age groups.

Khoza has built a strong reputation for grassroots development in the heart of the Tembisa township.

“To be honest, we need help. It is very difficult to coach in the townships because there are no resources,” Khoza told SABC Sport. “We do this for the love of the sport because we have no choice. "Sometimes we are forced to move to Germiston Stadium because we simply don’t have what we need here.”

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Khoza says the camp is severely limited by the lack of basic training equipment and suitable facilities.

“I would be happy if we could be assisted with facilities and equipment. We don’t have weights, pulling tyres or ropes – in fact, we don’t have many of the things that are important for a proper camp,” he explained. “The school where we host the camp is not properly maintained and the grass is not well cut. If we can get help with facilities, it would go a long way. There is so much potential in this township, but we lack serious resources.”

The experienced coach also highlighted broader challenges faced by township-based coaches across South Africa.

“When you come from a black township in South Africa, the first challenge you face is the lack of support,” said Khoza. “We don’t need big money – just proper fields and equipment. We don’t have hurdles or javelins, so the focus ends up being on middle-distance and sprinting. How do I know if I have talent in hurdles or javelin when we don’t even have the equipment?”

Khoza says his long-term vision is to expand into more events, including field disciplines, but this remains impossible without support. Beyond athletics, he views the camp as a tool for social development.

“I am running this camp to protect the young ones from getting caught up in festive distractions,” he added. “I want them to learn discipline, how to live with others and how to function as human beings before the season starts in the New Year. Not all of them will become full-time athletes – some will work in other fields – and I also teach them that.”