'I'm looking forward to this exciting journey' - Mabhida secures Michaelhouse coaching gig
Renowned South African athletics coach Xolani Mabhida has secured a big coaching opportunity with Michaelhouse. Mabhida will coach athletics at one of the country's leading boys private high schools for the period of a year - with the option for the contract to be extended. The school which is located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is known for producing good rugby and cricket players, some of whom like Springboks and Sharks players Pat Lambie and Ross Cronje, have gone on to earn national colours.
Mabhida aims to use the school's sporting culture to produce top runners. In the past he coached certain individuals learners schooling at Michaelhouse including 800m runner Zola Sokhela, who is now based at Westmont College in the United States.. Mabhida - a prominent figure in running community in the country was the man behind the success of three-time Comrades Marathon champion Bongmusa Mthembu who secured two of his titles and one runner-up finish under the guidance of Mabhida. Speaking about the appointment, Mabhida who recently held the Co-ordinator of Coaches role at KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) says the opportunity came at the right time.

"You know recently, I was working with KZNA assisting development coaches in all districts across the province. But my epilepsy flared up again some time last year, which forced me to cut my travelling," explains Mabhida, who hails from Howick.
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"I then decided to stop working because I wasn't going to be able to travel all around the province while I'm sick. So when I received this opportunity now which will not require me to travel a lot, it felt right. I'll have three days a week where I need to attend to school matters, which affords me the opportunity to continue training some of my other runners when I'm not at school."
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Mabhida, who is coaching the likes of Xcel Running Club athlete Sibusiso Kubheka and Pakiso Mthembu, says getting an offer like this is a testament to the work he has put in over the years. He promises to assist kids to excel in athletics and life skills.Â
"I think that people realize that I'm gifted when it comes to coaching. To get an opportunity to coach in a school that is respected worldwide is a huge privilege. The training ground is good, the grass is well maintained and the gym facilities are one of the best I have come across. The important thing now is to assist the kids to realize their potential. We have to perform at the highest level and produce results. Overall, I'm looking forward to this exciting journey."Â
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