In 1998 he fell slightly back to 8.10 metres, achieved in May in Seville, and did not compete in a major championship. In 1999 he returned to Seville to finish eighth at the 1999 World Championships. He finished fourth at the 1999 Grand Prix Final. He set a new personal best with 8.20 metres in August in Monaco. In 2000 he won the African Championships. His jump of 8.34 metres was a new championship record, and is also his lifetime best. He also competed at the 2000 Olympic Games without reaching the final.