‘Coaching is my passion’
Parkhill Gardens is home to a great and talented athletics coach.
Behind most top achieving athletes there is usually a great coach and for Germiston athletes that coach is Stephanè Kotzè.
Kotzè has 37 years of coaching experience behind his name.
“In my years of coaching I have trained 33 athletes who have gone on to become South African Protea athletes and I have also coached 66 South African champions,” said Kotzè.
“I have been fortunate to coach athletes who have discipline, determination and a love for athletics.”
Kotzè said his love for athletics dates back to his childhood years.
“I have always loved athletics and was an award-winning athlete myself,” said Kotzè
“I was an athlete for 25 years – I started at the age of six and retired when I was 31.
“Long jump, 100m and 200m sprints were the track and field events I took part in.”
The Parkhill Gardens resident was born in Steynsburg, in the Eastern Cape.
Kotzè said one of his biggest moments as an athlete was when he was selected for the South African Junior Team.
“I was in matric at Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom when I was selected to represent South Africa in Zimbabwe,” said Kotzè.
“I did very well at the competition and won the long jump event when I jumped 7.51m.”
Kotzè studied teaching and taught history for many years while coaching.
The local coach was also a rugby coach and bagged a number of league and provincial tournaments.
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Kotzè started coaching with Germiston Callies Harriers at the Germiston Stadium in 1980 when he moved to Germiston.
“Over the years, I have collected several awards from Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) and Athletics South Africa (ASA) as a coach,”said Kotzè.
“I have coached athletes who have competed and won at major athletics meetings which include the World Youth Athletics Championships, World Seniors Athletics Championships, Olympic Youth Championships and the Commonwealth Games Senior Championships.
“I coach for the love of it and do it for the athletes more than for myself.
“I love it when athletes prosper; it is amazing to see them being rewarded for doing what they love.”
Some of Kotzè’s athletes and the number of medals received under his guidance, include:
• Seniors:
Adri De Jongh – 10 gold medals for 200m and 400m sprints.
John Lawson – Eight silver and bronze medals in 200m and 400m sprints.
Marliese Steyn – Six gold medals for 100m and 200m sprints.
Surita Febbraio – 10 gold medals for the 100m and 400m hurdles.
Samuel van Aswegen – Three gold medals for the 200m and 400m sprints.
• Juniors:
Alyssa Conley and Patrick Vosloo – 11 gold medals each for 100m and 200m sprints.
Leizel Bell – Four gold medals for 100m sprint and long jump.
Kayla Gilbert – Seven gold medals for long jump and hurdles.
Pedro Aaron – Two gold medals for long jump.
Kotzè is the athletics head coach at Hoërskool Goudrif and has been with the school for five years.
He said he doesn’t have special secrets for excelling in athletics but maintains athletes should be dedicated.
“You have to love the sport. Never give up and you will get to the top,” said Kotze.
“Just make sure you train enough, work on your strength and speed and always remember to stretch.
“Keep repeating what you do over and over again and you will be fine.
“I hate substances like steroids and get disappointed when my athletes test positive.
“I thank all my athletes over the years for making my coaching experience a pleasant one.
“I have travelled as an athlete and coach and was able to do what I love because of the support I get from my wife Roeliel. I appreciate it.”
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