Sinesipho Dambile not rushing to name his new coach

Dambile made history by winning the men’s 200m gold medal in Glasgow, becoming the first African athlete to win the Commonwealth 200m title since Namibian legend Frankie Fredericks in 2002.

His long-time coach Thabo “Coach T” Matebedi has taken up a new role as coach of the Malaysian sprint team from 1 August, leaving athletes such as Dambile, Gift Leotlela, Naheem Jack, and Bayanda Walaza without his daily guidance.

Speaking to SABC Sport after arriving back in South Africa with Team South Africa, Dambile remained tight-lipped when asked whether he has already found a new coach or started looking for another one.

The 24-year-old, who also claimed his first Diamond League victory earlier this year, admitted that it was difficult when Matebedi first informed the group about his departure.

"It wasn't good considering I was heading into the biggest championship of my career but it happened."

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The three-time South African 200m champion paid tribute to Matebedi for the role he has played in his career. 

Dambile says the coach helped revive his career and guided him to two national titles.

"He taught me everything since I was a kid to the man I've become today. He taught me to stay strong and disciplined and I'm doing exactly that. He also helped me to become a more consistent competitor."

Dambile, who reached the 200m final at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, dismissed the idea that he is now coaching himself.

He insists that he is still working within the training system created by the group and is relying on the support of his teammates rather than operating as a self-coached athlete.

Dambile also explained why he turned down an all-expenses-paid offer to move to Malaysia with Coach T. 

"I love being based and doing everything in South Africa. I want to stay here and I want to show people that it's possible to do everything here at home so I'd much rather stay here with my guys and the system we have created."