Monday, 15 September 2025
Dear Members,
KZNA SUB-ELITE ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2025/2026
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics is proud to announce the launch of its Sub-Elite Athlete Development Program for the 2025/2026 season. The Program will officially commence on 01 October 2025 and run through to 30 September 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in athlete development within the province.
The vision of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics is clear:
“To identify, nurture, and elevate high-potential athletes across the province. Through expert coaching, competitive exposure, and holistic support, we aim to empower athletes to reach national and international standards—one stride at a time.”
The Sub-Elite Athlete Development Program will be delivered in partnership with the Prime High-Performance Institute, as a strategic response to the growing need for increased access to world-class training environments, resources, and expertise for KwaZulu-Natal athletes.
The Prime Human Performance Institute is a world class sports medical, high-performance testing and athlete training facility based at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Institute has successfully brought together South Africa’s top sport and medical experts, ready to assist athletes realise their personal goals and optimal sporting potential. At present, the Prime High-Performance Institute is in partnership with the KZN Department of
Sport, Arts and Culture to deliver its Elite Athlete Development Programme (EADP) and Project 350.
Note: The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa has launched “Project 350,” a strategic initiative aimed at preparing at least 350 elite athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (300 for the Olympics and 50 for the Paralympics). The project aims to identify and prepare athletes from all nine provinces. In KZN Project 350 has been merged with the EADP and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics have been allocated 15 slots into this programme and we are awaiting confirmation of the athletes that have been accepted into this programme. This programme is funded through the KZN
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Nothwithstanding this programme, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics has seen the need to improve the performances of athletes and coaches by providing them with access to a comprehensive range of support programmes and opportunities to participate and excel in competitions at all levels. KZNA’s Sub-Elite Athlete Development Program is a targeted high-performance and fast-tracking programme to provide our athletes across the different
age-groups the best opportunity to achieve podium finishes at National and International Competitions. The Sub-Elite Athlete Development Program will offer tiered support services tailored to the needs of our high-achievers and will include the following components:
1. Screening & Testing
- Comprehensive screening and testing will be conducted using sport-specific protocols agreed upon by experts.
- Detailed feedback will be provided to both athletes and the Head Coach.
- Individualised training programmes will be developed to address areas of weakness or injury risk identified during the screening process.
2. Monitoring
- Support will be provided for setting up training peaks to effectively monitor athlete training loads.
- Medical assistance will be available for injury prevention and rehabilitation, in accordance with the fee structure outlined below.
3. Conditioning
- Each athlete will receive a monthly gym membership to the Prime High-Performance Institute, which includes access to:
– Recovery ice-baths
– Gym floor and sport-specific training
– Simulated altitude training
- Supervised group training sessions will be offered to the elite squad at agreed-upon intervals.
- Monthly remote check-ins with coaches will ensure training programmes remain effective and aligned.
- Educational support will be provided to coaches on conditioning principles and the integration of sport science into their programmes.
4. Sports Medical Support
- Athletes will have access to a network of professionals at preferential rates (unless otherwise specified), including:
– Sports Doctors
– Biokineticists
– Physiotherapists
– Dietitians
– Masseurs.
5. Knowledge Sharing
- The Programme will include expert-led sessions on key topics such as
– Recovery strategies
– Load management
– Nutrition and diet
– Sports psychology
The Sub-Elite Athlete Development Program will be funded and supported by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics.
The circular seeks to invite all member clubs to nominate talented and high-achieving athletes who meet the criteria outlined in the attached application form. Please ensure that all submissions include complete, verifiable information and updated performance records. Incomplete or poorly compiled applications may result in athletes being excluded from consideration.
CRITERIA FOR THE APPLICATION
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a South African citizen (have a valid South African Identity Document)
- Reside in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Must be between the ages of 14 – 34
- Be a registered member of an affiliated club, in good standing with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics.
- Enter into a written agreement with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics.
- Abide by the rules and regulations of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, Athletics South Africa and World Athletics.
- Have provided information on his/her performance that is accurate, and which can be validated through reliable references or available records.
- Submit a completed application form (Annexure 1) signed by the Chairperson of the club.
- Submit a letter of motivation signed by the Chairperson of the club, indicating the club’s support of the applicant.
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics Minimum Requirements:
- Track and Field:
Top 3 in their event at the KZNA 2025 Youth and Junior or Senior KZNA Provincial Championships. - Cross Country:
Top 3 finish at the 2025 KZNA Provincial Championships. - Road:
Run any of the times below at a race officially sanctioned by KZNA, ASA or WA.
Successful applicants will be categorized into three tiers. Individual athletes will be categorized into either Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 1 or Tier 2 athletes are selected based on their performances at Provincial, National and International level.
The Tier 1 category shall comprise the Sub-elite athletes whilst the Development athletes will fall into Tier 2 . Athletes that qualify as per above will be subjected to the following specific selection criteria:
TIER 1: Athletes are to achieve against the following criteria.
- Athlete has achieved national representation in the past 12-18 months
or - Age Group: athletes are ranked in the Top 30 in their age group in the world (2025)
or - Senior: Ranked in the Top 10 Nationally (2025).
or - Age Group: athletes are ranked in the Top 5 Nationally (2025)
or - Senior: International and National Ultra Marathon Gold medalist (2025).
TIER 2: Athletes are to achieve against the following criteria.
- Age Group: Ranked in the Top 10 Nationally (2025)
or - Age Group: Finalists at the National Championships (2025).
Note: The services offered by the Prime High-Performance Institute will differ from Tier 1 to Tier 2.
General Information:
Please review all information above carefully before completing the attached application forms. Adherence to the submission deadlines listed at the end of this correspondence is essential. Late applications will not be considered and will result in disqualification of the athlete.
Important Notice
- Only applications from KZNA affiliated Clubs in good standing, will be accepted. Applications made by individuals, athletes, parents, and/or coaches will not be accepted.
- All information supplied must be accurate and the KZNA reserves the right to verify all submissions and generate the final list of successful applications for the Programme.
- Clubs must submit applications for athletes selected through their talent identification and high-performance systems and who meet the required criteria.
- You are requested to email all applications to: KwaZulu-Natal Athletics office , Ms. Happiness Mkhize at support@kznathletics.co.za and copy
development@kznathletics.co.za by Thursday, 12:00 on the 25th of September 2025.
Yours in Athletics,
Jessica Khomo
General Manager
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics
Download KZNA Sub-Elite Athlete Development Program – Application Form
Download KZNA Circular 78 of 2025