IFBB Pro Thabo Troy Switches Coaches . Jack OUT - Steph IN


Thabo Troy Khasipe, IFBB Classic Physique Pro, has officially parted ways with coach Jack Lotter to join forces with Stephan Du Toit of CS Bodyfusion. For those who have been tracking the meteoric rise of the South African contingent on the global stage, this move is a statement of intent.



The Proving Ground

Eighteen months ago, in December 2024, Thabo stood on the stage at the NPC Pro Qualifier in Johannesburg and secured his IFBB Pro Card. It was a moment of triumph, but what made it truly remarkable was the context: this was only his first show in the Classic Physique division.



Exit from Team Sheriff Training Systems



The split from Jack Lotter has raised eyebrows throughout the local bodybuilding community. Thabo is now the second high-profile Pro to vacate Lotter’s stable in recent memory, following the departure of Sibusiso Kotelo.

Sbu's departure was particularly significant. After eight years of partnership with Lotter—a tenure that produced a Pro Card and multiple shows on the Pro circuit—the "Kid Prodigy" decided to move on. The reasons for that split were never made public, and the bodybuilding world respected the privacy of the parties involved. Now, with Khasipe following suit, speculation is rife.

While the exact reasons for the dissolution of the Troy-Lotter partnership remain unknown, the timing suggests a shift in philosophy.   


Why Coach Steph 

The decision to move to Stephan Du Toit (CS Bodyfusion) is being lauded by industry insiders as a highly positive and logical step. In the current landscape of South African bodybuilding, Stephan has arguably established himself as the premier coach for active IFBB Pros, based purely on recent competitive results.

In the past 3 years Steph has coached over South African athletes in over 10 Pro shows so If i were to speculate the reason for the split I'd say Thabo just looked at which coach is most likely able to help him make the moves to getting on the Pro stage. Especially considering Thabo wanted to make his Pro debut late 2025 but was stifled by VISA issues. It also helps that Du Toit is based in the UK

While "potential" is a word often thrown around loosely, Stephan has proven that he can convert potential into placement. His recent portfolio reads like a wish list for any aspiring top-tier competitor:






  • Ashleigh Sherwood: Under Stephan’s guidance, Sherwood secured two 4th-place finishes on the IFBB Pro circuit this season. In figure bodybuilding, where the judging criteria can be razor-thin, consistent top-five finishes are a testament to a coach's ability to adjust and refine.


  • Monique Jansen Van Vuuren: "Monique" is a name that has become synonymous with consistency. Stephan placed her in a top-3 spot last season, and she has become a fixture in the first callout at major shows - the best South African Bikini bodybuilder

     


  • Dylan Dawson: The Classic Physique division is notoriously competitive, but Dawson has racked up multiple top-5 finishes in the IFBB Pro League under Stephan’s tutelage.

When you analyze these results, a pattern emerges, the inform coach when it comes to South African bodybuilders is one - and its not even close.


Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season

With this new alliance, the South African bodybuilding community is watching closely. The move to CSbodybfusion signals that Thabo Troy Khasipe is not content to simply be a "Pro Card holder." He has his sights set on the big leagues—the top 5s, The first callouts. My friend Ryno seems to think that Thabo has potential to become an Olympian

For Jack Lotter, the loss of two major athletes is a blow, For Stephan, this is a chance to prove that his stable is the premier destination for elite talent in South Africa.

As for Thabo?  He has the raw material, the work ethic, and now, he has the coach with the blueprint to unlock it. 

What are your thoughts on Thabo’s move? Is Steph the right coach to unlock his potential? Drop your comments below.