Athletics SA name strong relay squad for World Relays in Gaborone

SA go into the event at the National Stadium full of confidence after a successful 2024 campaign, when the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m teams won gold, and the women’s 4x400m claimed bronze.

After a recent training camp at the University of Johannesburg, High Performance Manager Hezekiel Sepeng believes the team is ready.

“We have the athletes, and we have seen good performances. The focus now is execution. If we avoid mistakes, we can achieve something special,” Sepeng told SABC Sport.

One notable selection is two-time national long jump champion Chewill Johnson earning a place in the men’s 4x100m team after recently impressing with a 10.04-second 100m time.

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The squad also includes Akani Simbine, Sinesipho Dambile, Tsebo Matsoso, Bradley Nkoana and Retshidisitswe Mlenga, with rising star Bayanda Walaza missing out due to injury.

“We are happy with the depth. Mlenga has run 9.99, Johnson is improving quickly, and with Simbine anchoring, we have one of the best finishers in the world," Sepeng noted. 

"The team is hungry and ready."

In the men’s 4x400m, Zakhithi Nene leads a strong group including 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk, Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Gardeo Isaacs and Leendert Koekemoer.

They are expected to face tough competition from the host nation, who are led by Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo.

“It won’t be easy competing against Botswana at home, but we believe in our team. The athletes have improved a lot and we are confident we can challenge them,” said Sepeng.