London 2012 Olympic rowing gold medallist Sizwe Ndlovu led a rowing course held by the Malawi Olympic Committee ©Getty Images

London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Sizwe Ndlovu oversaw a rowing coaching course and training camp held by Malawi's Olympic Committee.

Some 27 athletes and coaches from Malawi, Namibia, Uganda, Kenya and Zambia attended the five-day course in Salima.

Ndlovu was joined by Persephone Wynn and Sallie Malt from the International Rowing Federation (FISA) to prepare the participants for international competitions. 

South African Ndlovu won his country's first Olympic gold medal for rowing at London 2012 alongside his men's lightweight coxless four team-mates, James Thompson, John Smith and Matthew Brittain.

Some 27 athletes and coaches from five African countries attended the rowing course in Malawi ©Malawi Olympic Committee
Some 27 athletes and coaches from five African countries attended the rowing course in Malawi ©Malawi Olympic Committee

"The sport is growing fast in Malawi but it is up to the athletes to take it seriously because there is great potential," Ndlovu said, as reported by Malawi publication The Daily Times.

"If the athletes continue working hard, Malawi will manage to compete at the top level."

The course was funded by Olympic Solidarity, which provides financial aid to National Olympic Committees with the greatest needs, and FISA, in collaboration with the Malawi Olympic Committee. 

"We are committed to providing support to the athletes so that they win medals for the country,” said Malawi Olympic Committee President Oscar Kanjala.