Robert Marawa talks Athletics SA with sports consultant Manfred Seidler as new season kicks off
While excitement build for the new season, Athletics SA still has several challenges to navigate.
Manfred Seidler on Marawa Sports Worldwide. Photo: 947
947’s Robert Marawa chats to Manfred Seidler, athletics analyst and consultant.
Listen below.
The new athletics season is finally here, with the Grand Prix Series Continental Tour Challenger 1 taking place at the Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane on Wednesday (12 March).
South Africa’s track and field stars will take on some of the continent's top athletes.
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With the international season commencing in May and the World Championships coming up at the end of the year, Seidler says it will be an interesting and challenging season for South African athletes.
“…they’ve got the entire winter to prepare… It’s a challenge for our athletes to maintain that level and it’s been a decades-long problem.”
– Manfied Seidler, athletics analyst and consultant
This also means that well-known local athletes such as Akani Simbine and Wayde Van Niekerk will likely prioritise international meets over local ones.
This is just one of the many challenges Athletics South Africa faces, says Seilder.
Having an acting CEO for over a decade also does not help.
“We’ve been doing the same thing, the same way, for all these years but expecting different results. Unfortunately, the powers that be don’t know how to get out of the quagmire… It literally is going to take a very brave individual or company to it around.”
– Manfied Seidler, athletics analyst and consultant
“There is a distinct lack of entrepreneurship to turn around and say I am going to rock the boat… It’s because there is a mindset of people who have been in the sport for generations and as we get older, change becomes difficult.”
– Manfied Seidler, athletics analyst and consultant
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion