South African teenage sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza has made a significant decision in his athletic career by turning down a scholarship offer to train in the United States. Despite the appeal of working with some of the world’s most renowned coaches, Walaza has chosen to remain in South Africa and continue his training with his coach, Thabo Matebedi.
This decision comes after Walaza’s remarkable rise in the sprinting world, which has included an Olympic silver medal as part of South Africa’s 4x100m relay team at the Paris 2024 Games. Walaza, just 18 years old, has already proven himself on the world stage, further solidifying his reputation by winning two gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, in August 2024. These accomplishments were achieved just days after his Olympic success.
Walaza’s choice to stay in South Africa reflects a growing trend among African athletes to resist the lure of American training camps. The decision is influenced by advice from other top African sprinters, such as Letsile Tebogo, the Olympic 200m champion, who has cautioned against the temptation to switch to American training environments. Tebogo and other athletes have emphasized the importance of maintaining strong, personal relationships with coaches who understand their unique needs and challenges.
Thabo Matebedi, who has coached Walaza since he was 15, is a key figure in this decision. Their partnership has already yielded impressive results, and Matebedi believes in the value of a long-term coach-athlete relationship. He draws inspiration from successful examples in the world of athletics, such as Akani Simbine, who has worked with his coach for 15 years. According to Matebedi, such long-lasting relationships provide stability and a deep understanding between coach and athlete, which is crucial for sustained success.
Matebedi has expressed his desire to continue working with Walaza for as long as the young sprinter is willing. He believes in the power of building close, trusting bonds with athletes, and sees himself as not only a coach but also a father figure to his athletes. This fatherly role has been key to the success of his coaching philosophy, creating an environment where his athletes can thrive both on and off the track.
The relationship between Matebedi and Walaza is built on mutual respect and effective communication. Matebedi has worked with several athletes over the years, and his approach emphasizes a balance of hard work, laughter, and fun. This combination of discipline and enjoyment has been essential in fostering a positive and productive training environment.
Despite being a junior athlete, Walaza trains alongside senior sprinters like Sinesipho Dambile and Gift Leotlela, and his progress has been impressive. His rapid development and maturity are expected to help him compete at the highest levels of the sport. Matebedi continues to treat him as a junior for now, but he recognizes the potential for Walaza to transition into senior competition as he continues to grow and refine his skills.
In the coming years, Walaza’s continued partnership with Matebedi is expected to play a significant role in his development as one of the world’s top sprinters. Both athlete and coach are committed to building a strong, unbreakable bond, and their journey together is just beginning.
