Despite their overwhelming experience, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Sport Administration unit staff still sees the necessity to enhance their skills to develop the best talent for and in the university. This comes after Mr Thubalethu Phaku, Sport Facilities Manager and Events Coordinator, and DUT Athletics Club Head Coach, Mr Khulekani Gamede obtained their Athletics South Africa (ASA) Coaches Educations and Certification System (CECS) Level 2 coaching certificates on Sunday, 12 January 2025 at Kings Park Athletics Stadium.

The ASA Level 2 coaching course which was hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Athletics took three days, from 10-12 January 2025 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

For Mr Phaku this achievement means a lot and he believe that this will not only benefit him, but DUT athletics as whole.

Mr Thubalethu Phaku: Sport Facilities Manager and Events Coordinator, and DUT Athletics Club Head Coach, Mr Khulekani Gamede after receiving their level 2 coaching certificates.

“It means that I can be able to coach the national team since I have been coaching locally and the provincial team. I will benefit from meeting with other international coaches, learn and network to get more information as a coach.  Also, DUT athletes will benefit a lot as I will be sharing with them my international skills and coaching for them to train and compete with the international athletes,” said Phaku.

Furthermore, Phaku who has been involved in athletics for 33 years revealed that one of his goals is to re-instate his athletics academy which fell-shot in 2014 due to financial constraints.

“One of my goals in 2025 and beyond is to re-instate my academy where I will develop more young talented athletes. Therefore, I will request sponsors to come on board from the private and public sector to make my dream come true,’’ he added.

Gamede, DUT Athletics Club Head Coach complemented Phaku’s words, claiming that as much as this is massive achievement for them, but young athletes and DUT sport will benefit more.

“It means a lot to me and athletes because it shows that I understand my job of helping young people to improve their running talents. Also, for DUT to find trust from parents, schools and districts for their upcoming talented athletes,’’ said Gamede.

Coach Gamede’s inspiration is to become the international coach and produce global stars. His love for athletics started during high school days. Since then, he has been involved in athletics for more than 17 years.

“I grew up under athletics environment and learning a lot from my previous coaches even now I am still working with them. I have been involved in athletics for 17 years and my dream is to become an international coach and produce international world champion athletes,’’ he added.

Pictured: DUT Athletics Club Head Coach, Khulekani Gamede and Thubalethu Phaku, Sport Facilities Manager and Events Coordinator.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese

Vukani Langa