Kuala lumpur: South African Thabo Matebedi has been appointed as Malaysia's sprints head coach to strengthen preparations for several major competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2027 SEA Games. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia Athletics (MA) announced that the appointment was made in collaboration with the National Sports Council (MSN) after evaluating the applications and curriculum vitae of four candidates from Botswana, Poland, Jamaica, and South Africa. MA highlighted that Matebedi, aged 44, holds a Level Three Elite Coach qualification and is considered one of South Africa's foremost sprint coaches, boasting a commendable track record in athlete development. He has been instrumental in nurturing world-class sprinters such as Sinesipho Dambile, Bayanda Walaza, and African Under-18 100m and 200m champion Mukona Manavhela. Additionally, Matebedi has previously coached Gift Leotlela, who achieved a fifth-place finish in the 100m at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, clockin g an impressive time of 9.87 seconds. MA further stated that Matebedi is expected to arrive in Malaysia early next month once all necessary documentation has been completed. Upon his arrival, he will be tasked with formulating a comprehensive development and training programme. This programme will undergo regular monitoring by MA, MSN, and the National Sports Institute to ensure alignment with targeted medal achievements and performance benchmarks. The monitoring process will include thorough performance evaluations and assessments of the programme's strengths and weaknesses, with the aim of meeting the established goals.