Sinesipho Dambile to miss his father’s funeral as he focuses on reclaiming his 200m title
25th April 2025
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Former South African 200m champion Sinesipho Dambile has made the tough decision to miss his father’s funeral on Saturday in his pursuit of reclaiming his 200m crown at the National Championships at Puk McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom.
The 23-year-old, who first won the national title as a junior in 2022, clocked 20.67 to win his 200m heat on Friday.
Dambile, who is coached by African Coach of the Year Thabo Matebedi, broke down in an emotional interview with SABC Sport shortly after the race.
His father, who passed away earlier this week after a long illness, will be laid to rest in King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape.
After consulting with his family, Dambile—fresh from a long-term injury—chose to honour his father's memory by staying focused on his dream of becoming national champion once again.
“I came here because I want to win the national with my whole heart and tomorrow is my father’s funeral. He passed away a few days ago.
The sad part is that I won’t be there and winning the 200m final on Saturday will mean everything to me,” said Dambile in an exclusive interview.
The 2024 Olympian was overcome with emotion during a heartfelt interview, expressing his deep desire to reclaim the national title and secure qualification for the World Senior Championships in Tokyo, Japan, later this year.
“He was in hospital, and he passed away before we could come to the national championships.
"I am emotional and feel like crying even now. If he were alive, he would have wanted me to go for the title, and I am doing what he wanted me to do as a young man. If I win this title I will dedicate it to him.”
Dambile, who trains alongside newly crowned national 100m champion Gift Leotlela and Olympic silver medallist Bayanda Walaza, told the national broadcaster that he draws strength from being in a supportive environment filled with dedicated teammates and coaches.
He shared that coach Matebedi, who was close to his late father, stands by him and respects his decision to avoid conversations about his father's passing.
Together, they are focused on giving their best to win the title in his father's honour.
“If I was younger, it would have killed me, but now I am more matured as an athlete. This is a big championship and there was no way I was going to miss it, and my family understands the difficult decision which I made to sacrifice the burial of my father for my athletics dream,” added Dambile.
