New BAC coach gears up to produce exceptional athletes
He will continue competing as runner while also coaching.
The new athletics coach of Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC), David Gamede (61), aims to take the club to new and greater heights.
He was appointed coach on September 12 and had his first training session seven days later.
Gamede said he feels honoured to be appointed because there are many other good coaches that the club could have selected to take over from Uncle Steve de Bod, who was a coach at BAC for 45 years.
“I didn’t anticipate my appointment. It came as a surprise. When I was first approached, I had butterflies in my stomach. The club has put its faith and trust in me and I’m praying I don’t disappoint it,” expressed Gamede.
He mentioned that his dream is to improve the club and ensure that it performs exceptionally well in athletics competitions.
“This will be possible only through the growth and development of our runners, by helping and supporting them to become the best runners they can be.
“Effective training will unlock the potential of our runners. It will enable them to perform well in their middle and long-distance races,” he explained.
Gamede said his responsibilities as a track coach are to design sound training plans and programmes for the club runners and to coach, guide and motivate and also to offer technical advice.
“This is my first time taking up this position formally as a qualified coach, however, it is not my first time to work as a coach.
“Over the past two Comrades seasons, I have been serving in the C16 team as a member of the coaching staff,” he shared.
He added that they were responsible for designing the training plan and programme.
“I hold an Athletic South Africa’s level one coaching certificate. It includes training middle and long-distance runners.
“Even as a coach, I will continue to compete in the running competitions. Running comes first and coaching second. I love running and competing, especially in my age category.
“My dream of bagging a silver medal at the Comrades Marathon appeals to me, so I won’t hang up my running shoes anytime soon,” said Gamede.
He said the other sporting codes he enjoys are tennis and rugby.
“I used to play tennis well when I was at school. I support the Bokke. They have displayed commitment as they are making our country proud,” Gamede expressed.
He said he will be improving his qualification next year in July when he is planning on registering for the level two coaching certificate.
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