Sinesipho Dambile claims back-to-back national title

Dambile arrived at the Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field Championships at Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch determined to prove that his previous win was no fluke. 

The 24-year-old is focused on consistency and says he is learning a lot from top South African sprinters Akani Simbine and Wayde van Niekerk.

"It is very special man just like I have said I have to win it back to back. I've seen the consistency of 400m when Wayde was there. I saw the consistency with Akani on the 100m and I've actually never seen anyone in the 200m that was consistent like Akani and Wayde. So, I want to be that guy and I'm working towards that," Dambile said.

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The Tshwane-based sprinter, coached by Thabo Matibedi, told SABC Sport that Simbine and Van Niekerk continue to inspire him. 

He also revealed that receiving a good luck message from Simbine before the race gave him extra motivation.

"Most definitely, I speak to both of the guys, Wayde and Akani. Akani actually sent me a message yesterday, also Wayde was telling me, he wanted to come here and give me a good run," he added.

The Eastern Cape-born athlete, who first made his mark as a 20-year-old champion in 2022, said he was satisfied with his performance at sea level, adding that the conditions were favourable.

"Yes, it was pretty good and I know I'm in great shape for sure. I've been putting in some great work, also the times I've been getting at training, have been surprising. “It's just a matter of time, I still have some international races that I'm gonna race, for example Kenya next week. I just wanna make sure that when I get to the international tour I'll be ready for the guys."