And they're not wrong. Watch a clip of Kenyan athletes training and they'll either be running on a dirt road or a grass track.
The facilities at NWU in Potchefstroom, for example, are so good that some of the world's best track and field athletes camp there during the off-season.
Pop down to Puk McArthur Stadium at this time of year and you will bump into World Championship and Olympic medallists at just about every turn.
But some of South Africa's facilities are not being maintained, and while this has been a problem in other provinces as well, it's becoming a real issue in Gauteng.
Denne historien er fra December 28, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Denne historien er fra December 28, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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All eyes are on massive derby
Both the Sharks' and Stormers' directors of rugby have highlighted the class of their opponents ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) match today (kick-off 5pm).
Proteas turn up heat
FIRST TEST: HOSTS TAKE THREE PAKISTAN WICKETS IN SECOND INNINGS
Iga ready to put scandal in past
TOUGH: SAYS NO REASON FOR WADA TO APPEAL CASE
Fritz Motivated for Slam Success
Taylor Fritz said yesterday he strategically limited his workload during the brief tennis off-season before heading to Australia to begin 2025, learning that less can sometimes be more.
Our great facilities are not looked after
When athletes from other African countries come to South Africa, they're not shy to remind us how fortunate we are to have the facilities we do in this country.
Kolisi could be a Stormer again
URC: COACH DOBSON'S FOCUS IS ON THE LOCAL DERBY
Sharks are aiming for a rare victory in the Cape
Sharks head coach John Plumtree foresees an entertaining and expansive game against the Stormers as they look to improve on their record at Cape Town Stadium.
Chiefs are desperate for some New Year cheer
Kaizer Chiefs will be desperate for some kind of New Year cheer as they host Chippa United tomorrow at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in their final Betway Premiership game of 2024.
Dark Horses Are Now The Favourites
I said when the season started that Liverpool were the dark horses for the Premier League title, and after 17 matches, they are leading the pack.
Legends predict easy Downs win
DODDLE: MASHEGO, KEKANA SAY CHAMPS ARE TOO GOOD