Why Coach T is leaving South Africa for Malaysia

After more than 20 years of coaching, Matebedi says he feels unappreciated, undervalued and overlooked in South Africa despite producing some of the country's top sprinters. 

Those frustrations, together with years of financial struggles, convinced him to take up the opportunity abroad.

His departure leaves some of South Africa's biggest sprint stars, including Bayanda Walaza, Gift Leotlela and Sinesipho Dambile, without their coach just days before the Commonwealth Games begin on Thursday.

Matebedi will officially start his new role on 1 August after receiving his work permit. He is currently serving notice at Curro Hazeldean High School, where he has worked as an athletics coach.

"I'm going to be the head coach that side of the whole country and not just a club it's a national team. I have done a lot in South Africa so I have to take this opportunity and embrace the new challenge. 

"Even though we do a good job in South Africa we don't see the payment for it. Coaches are still struggling."

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The coach, who also guided world 200m bronze medallist Anaso Jobodwana, says he has never received the recognition he deserves in South Africa despite developing national and international champions.

Matebedi believes many people only see him as a school and junior coach, making it difficult for him to progress professionally. 

Coach T says his athletes were devastated by the news of his departure.

He revealed that Olympic relay silver medallist Bayanda Walaza broke down in tears after hearing he was leaving, while Diamond League race winners Sinesipho Dambile and Gift Leotlela pleaded with him to stay.

"We had a long chat about it, Bayanda struggled to accept the news, but it has to be done. I must move on with life."

Matebedi says Malaysia offered him the chance to relocate with up to six South African sprinters as part of his new project.

However, his top athletes chose to remain in South Africa and continue their careers at home. 

He says while the opportunity was available, practical and personal reasons made the move difficult for them.