South African Thabo Matebedi Appointed Malaysia's Sprints Head Coach

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- South African Thabo Matebedi has been appointed as Malaysia's sprints head coach to strengthen preparations for several major competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2027 SEA Games.

In a statement today, Malaysia Athletics (MA) said the appointment was made jointly with the National Sports Council (MSN) after reviewing the applications and curriculum vitae of four candidates from Botswana, Poland, Jamaica and South Africa.

MA said Matebedi, 44, holds a Level Three Elite Coach qualification and is regarded as one of South Africa’s leading sprint coaches, with an impressive track record in athlete development.

MA said he had developed world-class sprinters such as Sinesipho Dambile and Bayanda Walaza and African Under-18 100m and 200m champion Mukona Manavhela.

“He also previously coached Gift Leotlela, who finished fifth in the 100m at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo with a time of 9.87 seconds,” the statement said.

MA said Matebedi is expected to arrive in Malaysia early next month once all documentation has been completed.

Upon assuming his duties, Matebedi will be given time to formulate a comprehensive development and training programme, which will be monitored regularly by MA, MSN and the National Sports Institute.

MA said the monitoring process will include performance evaluations and assessments of the programme’s strengths and weaknesses to ensure the targeted medal achievements and performance goals are met.
— BERNAMA