Inside knowledge gives Kruger United a ‘comfortable’ edge ahead of Chiefs clash

South Africa has endured a slow start to the track and field programme, with no medals after four days of competition and only two days remaining before the championships conclude on Saturday night.

Despite the disappointing start, van Zyl remains optimistic that the medals can still come before the end of the Games. 

"I don't think it will be a disaster although I think we will bring back some medals. There are still some opportunities to win a medal, like Zakithi Nene stands a very good chance. The Commonwealth Games are very important because it allows athletes to grow and develop and gives them that Olympic Games feeling."

READ: Phuti Mohafe wanted to begin Marumo career against Sundowns

Although the medals have not arrived yet, the South African athletics legend, who won a silver and bronze at the world senior championships, says there have still been encouraging performances from the team.

van Zyl believes these performances show the exciting progress being made in South African sprinting and says it is encouraging to see athletes competing confidently against some of the world’s best.

Bradley Nkoana was disqualified in the men’s 100m semi-finals and was visibly devastated after the decision.

van Zyl has urged the young sprinter to put the disappointment behind him and focus on the 4x100m relay, where South Africa still has a realistic chance of fighting for a medal.

The former national champion says setbacks are part of an athlete’s journey and believes Nkoana has a bright future if he keeps his focus on the opportunities that remain in Glasgow.

"I think Bradley is still young and he still has a lot to learn, but he will definitely bounce back after this hard lesson. He is in the shape of his life, but he will get his time. There have been a lot of great athletes like Usain Bolt and Akani Simbine that have been disqualified before."

van Zyl, who is married to four-time Soweto Marathon champion Irvette van Zyl, admits he is disappointed that Sabelo Dhlamini is the only South African athlete competing in the 400m hurdles at the Games.

As a former hurdles specialist himself, he would have liked to see a stronger South African presence in the event and hopes more hurdlers will emerge ahead of future international championships.