06 May 2006

Tim Noakes on the state of SA Sport Professor Tim Noakes, an outstanding Sports Scientist and a brilliant thinker, poses, and answers the question: How can SA improve competitiveness in sport? The prescription of the good Doctor boils down to two things: Government financial and political commitment to develop world-class coaching and infrastructure, on the model of Australia, UK and China. Commitment and mindset by coaches, teams and individual athletes to compete, match and exceed the best in the world. Some quotes: " My impression from discussions with various South Africans is that the patience of our people is running out. Our national dignity requires that we be more successful at least in some sports like soccer, rugby and cricket and some individual sports like distance running and swimming." ........... " The essential role of real government support: Neither East Germany, China, Australia nor England would have improved their sporting performances without committed government support, both financial and political. The amount of money needed to turn around Australian sport currently runs close to R1-billion a year and I suspect that the investment made by the current British government is probably within that range. In contrast, the Chinese investment is more likely to be at least 10-fold higher as the country currently supports in excess of 20 000 athletes compared to the fewer than 1 000 supported by each of the other two countries. But the South African support systems continue to believe that a few million rands here and there will ensure that our athletes are competitive in the 2008 Olympics. Perhaps it is time for a public reality check." ........... "I have finally concluded that there is another reason why South Africans under-perform in sport. It has to do with a common attitude to ourselves and our sport and which precludes all but that select few who break that mould and so are able to compete effectively with the rest of the world. I think we are just too mentally lazy to make the necessary effort. We too easily accept what is only second best since the extra effort required to be the best is simply not worth it. My conclusion is that South African sport currently allows too many people, including administrators, coaches and sportsmen and -women, a very large comfort zone with excessive rewards that blunt a too easily satisfied ambition." Will his sage advice be heeded? Certainly, as a fervent supporter of SA sport, I am continually embarassed and frustrated by the inability of our teams and individuals to compete when the chips are down. Not to mention the disgraceful behaviour of most of our administrators. This was the last in a series of articles, published in the Cape Argus. Here are links to the others: SA sports policy needs a fresh start Why Aussies are so good at sport... 10:49:57 AM    comment []