​High-performance coaches and trainers at Maties Sport not only have to manage student-athletes' physical workload, but also ensure that they train smartly and efficiently in the limited training time available.

Recent upgrades and improvements to Maties Gymnasium's High Performance (HP) area will assist the Maties Sport HP Unit's strength and conditioning coaches in this regard.

Although the HP area is not for the exclusive use of Maties Sport student-athletes, HP squads as well as individual HP athletes train in this area as part of their respective training programmes.

“From a capacity and logistics point of view we have to coordinate access to the Maties Gymnasium and maximise the time that we can get there," says Sean Surmon, Head of Maties Sport's HP Unit.

Not only was the layout of the HP training area changed to be more capacity friendly, but existing equipment was replaced and more training equipment was procured to cater for more athletes.

This is where Francois Kotze, manager of Maties Gymnasium, and Nico Koutakis, Maties Sport strength and conditioning coach, come in.

“Over the past two years we've invested R8 million in the facility with another R5 million to go this year. We want to have the best facility – that is non-negotiable. The Maties Sport HP programme is growing and we need to keep up. We're moving with the times, accommodating more people with better facilities," says Kotze.

The improvements include: Maintenance on the sport-specific floor; replacing all the old ELEIKO equipment (weight plates, bars, etc.); procuring hi-tech equipment, powered by Technogym; procuring Kaizer functional training equipment; procuring specialised equipment for differently-abled athletes and replacing all the dumbbells with an even bigger collection.

“We probably have one of the biggest dumbbell selections in the country. This allows us to accommodate a variety of different teams at the same time," adds Kotze.

Koutakis explains: “Originally, there were 10 platforms and 10 bars in the HP area. If there were two teams training at the same time, we would struggle with bars. We have now procured more bars, including five ladies' bars that are thinner and lighter and four specialist bars for people with mobility issues. We also added four platforms.

“We can now have three teams training on a similar methodology of training at the same time. As a trainer, it just makes it a lot easier to do what we have to do. A team comes in and they only have an hour. If they're standing around waiting for equipment, they waste time," he adds.

“Student-athletes are students first and athletes second. Their academic commitments are a priority during the day," emphasises Surmon. “That is why we need to train smarter and more efficiently in the time we do have with them.

“I doubt that there is another local university with access to same kind of world-class facility. Maties Sport and the HP Unit is very proud to offer this to our student-athletes and very privileged and grateful to have such a fantastic relationship with Maties Gymnasium."