Limpopo star feels neglected by her own province 

South African middle-distance runner, Prudence Sekgodiso team’s team says the Limpopo star feels neglected by her own province’s lack of acknowledgement and support. Sekgodiso has been in exceptional form ahead of the Paris Olympics. 

The 22-year-old from Bolobedu in Mopani District recently won the women’s 800m at the Marrakech Diamond League, running 1:57.26, the fastest time in the world this year.

She also notched another international victory abroad winning the 800m at the Stanislas meeting at Nancy in 1min 59.63sec. Sekgodiso is also ranked among the top three fastest women in the world this year. 

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But her coach Samuel Sepeng has expressed a huge disappointment over what he says is a lack of interest, especially by the Department of Sport, despite Sekgodiso’s achievements.

WHY LIMPOPO STAR PRUDENCE SEKGODISO FEELS NEGLECTED BY HER OWN PROVINCE 

“She is not happy about how things are being done from the province side,” Sepeng told Limpopo Chronicle. 

“I believe Prudence is from Limpopo, and it’s difficult for us to tell you how to take care of her as she is one of your own. 

“To my understanding, if things go well at the Olympics, the province will claim the victory, which they know nothing about prudence struggles at the moment,” he explained.

“There’s a lot of talent in Limpopo, but there is no proper/formal support structure. We have the likes of Caster Semenya, and you can name them. Most talented athletes go to different provinces, which has better support structures than Limpopo.”

Sekgodiso is one of the firm favourites to secure a medal for Team SA at the Olympics this year. Sepeng says Sekgodiso has been consistent in terms of training and are confident ahead of the games starting on 26 July to 11 August 2024. 

“Well, we have been preparing for this kind of performance for a long time, us being consistent in training and all the extra work we put in,” he said. 

“So far, so good, slowly but surely we are getting there.”

Efforts to solicit a comment from MEC Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana Pelane Phakgadi were unsuccessful.