Staff

Meet our Team

CORE TEAM   |   FITNESS INSTRUCTORS   |   PERSONAL TRAINERS

Francois Kotze

Francois Kotze

General Manager: Maties Gymnasium

 francoiskotze@sun.ac.za
 +27 21 808 9133

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Francois Kotze has been at the helm of Maties Gymnasium since October 2012 and – when you talk to his peers – the reason why this gym can compete with the best in the country. He is also the person who ensures that only the best state-of-the-art equipment is used at the gym.

For Francois, being fit is part of who he is, and he has always loved sport and exercising. “You only have one health, so it is best to look after it.”

Talking to Francois, you soon realised how passionate he is about Maties Gymnasium. “Maties Gym caters for everyone – from the beginner to the elite athlete. The gym covers a big space and has many training areas to cater to members’ different needs.”

He says the best part of working at Maties Gym is (apart from free gym membership) is the opportunity it provides you for professional growth, being part of a renowned academic institution. “Here at Maties Gym, you meet people from different walks of life, and as we know, people influence your life in many ways.”

Jacques Pretorius

Jacques Pretorius

Financial Manager

jacp@sun.ac.za
 +27 21 808 9499

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Jacques Pretorius joined Maties Gymnasium in June 2020, and his job is making sure the Gym’s financial affairs is also healthy.

For Jacques, being fit is part of having a healthy balanced lifestyle. “There’s no need to give up on things that may be considered “bad habits”. It’s perfectly possible to balance healthy living with eating ice cream or enjoying some wine with dinner,” says he.

Jacques believes you will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to success is found in your daily routine.

If he were to market the Gym to his friends, he would highlight the wide variety of offerings catering to whatever a person’s fitness goals might be. “The friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel right at home and ready to start a great workout,” Jacques says.

The best part of working at Maties Gym for Jacques is the energy and positive work environment. “There is no workplace drama or grumpy co-workers at Maties Gym.”

Carl Wagner

Carl Wagner

Operations Manager

cwagner@sun.ac.za
 +27 21 808 9920

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For the past few years, Carl Wagner is the person that makes sure all operational matters at Maties Gym is taken care of.

Apart from running around to make sure everything is working perfectly, Carl believes in being fit to improve the quality of life. “It makes everything you do only so much more efficient.”

If he wants to motivate someone to start exercising, he recommends that you set yourself a goal that will challenge yourself, like to train for an event. “What is important,” says Carl, “is to choose your own goal based on your interests and fitness level.”

Carl says he would recommend Maties Gymnasium as no other gym offers the same quality equipment and facilities as Maties Gymnasium.

For him, the best part of working at Maties Gym is seeing so many young people making an effort to get fit and strong. “It is truly inspirational.”

Réza de Greeff

Réza de Greeff

Sales & Marketing Manager

reza@sun.ac.za
 +27 21 808 4510
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Introducing Reza, a dedicated and passionate Sales manager. For Reza, fitness is not just a lifestyle but a fundamental aspect of a fulfilling life. Reza firmly believes that exercise is the ultimate medicine, providing both physical and mental well-being. To her, being able to move is a privilege that brings vitality, energy, and even adds years to one's life.

When motivating others to start their training journey, Reza's message is empowering and encouraging. She emphasizes that it's never too late to begin and that the key lies in making the decision to start. By setting small and achievable goals, individuals can conquer any challenges they may face along the road to health and wellness. Taking care of one's body becomes a priority, as it's the only place we have to live.

When recommending Maties Gym to friends and family, Reza enthusiastically highlights its outstanding features. The gym boasts world-class equipment and a performance center that caters to people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're young or old, fit or unfit, everyone is welcome at Maties Gym. It's a place where personal fitness goals can be achieved, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a supportive and inclusive environment.

For Reza, the best part of working at Maties Gym is the strong sense of community among the staff. They become like a second family, providing unwavering support and camaraderie. Moreover, Reza cherishes the opportunity to meet incredible individuals and be a part of their unique health and wellness journeys. And, let's not forget the cherry on top – the amazing coffee at MyBrew, the gym's delightful coffee shop that adds an extra touch of enjoyment to the overall experience.

With his unwavering passion for fitness, genuine care for others, and infectious enthusiasm for Maties Gym, Reza is an invaluable staff member who inspires and motivates individuals to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.

Mornay Richardson

Mornay Richardson

Fitness Manager

richm@sun.ac.za
 +27 21 808 3953

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Mornay Richardson has been a fitness Manager since 2022. He has high regard for fitness, and it is a very high priority in his life. “I always say I don’t want to be the parent that can’t play ball or play in the backyard with my kids.”

He is not afraid of pushing himself out of his comfort zone and says: “if you only do what you can do, you will never be more than what you are”.

Mornay says to do any project; you need the right tools. “I feel that is what Maties Gymnasium gives you. We cater for everyone no matter where you are with your project of sculpting a better you.”

For him, the best part of his day is interacting with so many different members, seeing their progress in their training and learning from them and his colleagues.

Calista De Lange

Calista De Lange

Group Exercise Manager

Calistadel@sun.ac.za
+27 21 808 9108

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Calista joined in 2021 at Maties Gym as a fitness instructor and with hard work and dedication is now our group exercise manager.

Calista says being fit is significant because it is a way of living a healthy lifestyle. “You don’t have to be in the gym every single day to be fit; you just need to be active every day, in my opinion.”

She always tells people who want to get fit that it will not be easy, but it will be worth it. “You are going to want to quit but don’t!”

One of Maties Gym’s good selling points is the high-quality equipment. “It is also a lot bigger than you would expect.” The best part of working at Maties gym for her is being part of and working at an elite high-performance facility.

Elizabeth Pietersen

Elizabeth Pietersen

Health and Hygiene Supervisor

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For the past eleven years, Elizabeth Petersen (or Lizzy as most people know her) ensures Maties Gym is a healthy and hygienic space to train. She believes that Maties Gym is by far the cleanest gym in the country.

For her being fit is good for your mental and your physical health. Apart from being fit and ensuring the gym is clean, she loves the opportunity to interact with members in the gym.

Nano Fredericks

Nano Fredericks

Maintenance Technician

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Nano Fredericks only recently joined Maties Gymnasium with the huge task to make sure all the equipment is in perfect working order.

Nano believe it is very important for him to keep fit, because its improves his  health and decreases the risk of getting heart disease. 

“I always tell people that training has a lot of benefits. It improves brain health  and memory, builds self-confidence and increases your energy levels. It also helps to relieve stress.” 

Nano says Maties Gymnasium offers cost effective gym membership fees and caters for everyone. “It is a fun and positive working environment that makes my work enjoyable.”

Nadia Matheus

Nadia Matheus

Financial Assistant

nam2@sun.ac.za
 +27 21 808 9210

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Nadia believes in the transformative power of fitness. With a deep understanding of how being fit positively impacts overall well-being, he is dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness goals.

Nadia's motivational mantra, "If you don't start now, you never will," serves as a powerful reminder to take that crucial first step towards a healthier life. Her enthusiasm and encouragement inspire individuals to begin their training journey and unlock their full potential.

At Maties Gym, Nadia is proud to be part of an authentic facility that offers a diverse range of equipment and classes. Whether you aim to enhance physical strength, reach personal fitness goals, improve flexibility, or boost mental capacity.

What truly excites Nadia about working at Maties Gym is the opportunity to meet international athletes, whose dedication and achievements serve as a constant source of inspiration. Additionally, she takes great pride in contributing to the personal goals of gym members and collaborating with her amazing colleagues.

Join Nadia and the rest of our dedicated staff at Maties Gym for an exceptional fitness experience. Discover the joy of meeting your goals, connecting with like-minded individuals, and embracing a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Leandre Nyathi

Leandre Nyathi

Financial Assistant

leandre@sun.ac.za
 +27 21 808 9210

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Introducing Leandre, a firm believer in the significance of staying fit for a healthy lifestyle. For Leandre, fitness is more than just looks—it encompasses overall well-being and vitality. When motivating others to start training, Leandre offers a powerful incentive: "Training now means living longer!"

If you're seeking a gym recommendation for a friend or family member, look no further than Maties Gym. Their exceptional customer care sets them apart, providing the best equipment and a pristine environment throughout the gym.

For Leandre, the best part of working at Maties Gym is contributing to a beautiful, healthy future for members. Join Leandre and experience the joy of inspiring others on their fitness journey at Maties Gym—a place where passion, customer care, and a commitment to wellness align seamlessly.

Fitness Instructors

Karen Nellemann

Karen Nellemann

Fitness Instructor

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Karen Nellemann is one of Maties Gymnasium’s fitness instructors. Karen says fitness is a very important aspect of her life as it benefits her physical and mental wellbeing. “It has helped me achieve my goal of being a better hockey player both on and off the field.”

She believes no one can motivate you to train unless you want and need to do it. For her, this quote describes it best: “anybody can achieve great things in their lives if they are willing to work hard, make sacrifices, and dedicate themselves to the dream they have.” (Sir Chris Holy)

For her, one of Maties Gym’s strong selling points is the facility’s versatility, as it caters to every person’s needs.

Karen says it is amazing to work with a dynamic team at the gym and see members achieving their personal goals.

Wesley Carr-Cass

Wesley Carr-Cass

Fitness Instructor

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Allow me to introduce Wesley, a passionate advocate for the holistic benefits of fitness. Wesley firmly believes that being fit is not just about looking great but feeling great too. It’s about having the ability to engage in activities with friends, family, and even animals, enjoying games and conquering challenging terrains. When you take care of your body and mind, amazing possibilities unfold, providing a sense of clarity and empowerment.

At the gym, Wesley strives to help individuals identify their goals and chart a path towards achieving them. By combining exercise with meaningful conversations, Wesley guides and supports clients, discussing their plans for the day and exploring topics that bring them happiness and passion. Understanding that often it’s the mind that gives up before the body does, Wesley fosters motivation and keeps the flame of passion burning, empowering clients to persist and surpass their limits.

When recommending a gym, Wesley would highlight the invaluable trait of helpfulness. It’s the exceptional support and dedication we offer that keeps you motivated and ensures your thriving fitness journey. Additionally, our gym provides both indoor and outdoor facilities, offering you the best of both worlds and granting you peace of mind.

The most enriching aspect of working at Maties Gymnasium is the diverse community and their unique gym styles. The interactions with different members, colleagues, and even fitness enthusiasts from various backgrounds are not only interesting but also inspiring. Maties Gym is a place where knowledge and muscles grow hand in hand. There’s always more to learn, making it an ideal starting point for those beginning their fitness career or simply looking to train and improve themselves. Whether you aspire to become a personal trainer or a coach, this gym will provide you with the insights and opportunities to develop and excel.

Michaela Nellemann

Michaela Nellemann

Fitness Instructor

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Michaela Nellemann joined Maties Gymnasium in 2020 as a fitness instructor. For her, being fit is very important. “With obesity that runs in my family, I like to keep myself in shape and maintain a healthy weight. It serves as a great way of destressing and improving my moods in general. And I love that sense of strength that you get when training.”

Michaela is a firm believer that you boost your energy when training. “I enjoy playing hockey and being part of the team to constantly having people around.”

Two quotes help her with motivation: “When you feel like stopping, think of the reason why you started” and “the pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow”.

She says the large variety of fitness classes Maties Gym has to offer, complemented by the “The best thing about working at Maties Gym is the wide variety of people we get to meet and work with daily. And the highlight for me is when international and our domestic sports teams come here to train.”

Conway Samuels

Conway Samuels

Fitness Instructor

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Keelan Witbooi

Keelan Witbooi

Fitness Instructor

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Introducing Keelan, someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of exercise and fitness. Through life’s challenges, Keelan has discovered solace and strength by embracing regular exercise and maintaining a fit lifestyle.

Keelan said that “If you’ve come this far, why not keep going?” he firmly believes in the importance of perseverance and consistency throughout the fitness journey, assuring you that the desired results are within reach.

Maties Gymnasium goes beyond the ordinary workout experience. It fosters a supportive environment that feels like home, seamlessly integrating fitness into your daily life. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, you can elevate your workouts and strive towards your goals. Maties Gymnasium is dedicated to continually improving its services and providing exceptional customer care, ensuring that every member receives an unparalleled experience.

Keelan believes that what truly sets Maties Gymnasium apart is its extensive range of equipment and unwavering ambition to create an outstanding gym atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced fitness enthusiast, Maties Gym offers the resources and opportunities you need to thrive on your fitness journey.

Mikhail Davis

Mikhail Davis

Fitness Instructor

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Personal Trainers

Johnwin Davids

Johnwin Davids

Personal Trainer

davidsjohnwin65@gmail.com
 +27 73 587 5924
Jacques Human

Jacques Human

Personal Trainer

jhhuman@hotmail.com
 +27 83 721 6460

Francois Retief

Francois Retief

Personal Trainer

fretiefbio@gmail.com
 +27 82 456 0221
Darren Smit

Darren Smit

Personal Trainer

darrensmit77@gmail.com
 +27 82 448 4955

Coenie Swanepoel

Coenie Swanepoel

Personal Trainer

private_coena@yahoo.com
 +27 72 378 2426

Bernette Beyers

Bernette Beyers

Personal Trainer

bernettebeyers@yahoo.com
 +27 76 708 2955
Landi Luus

Landi Luus

Personal Trainer

Ruwan Bester

Ruwan Bester

Personal Trainer

ruwanbester@gmail.com
 +27 82 086 7213