Bradley Nkoana – Underrated or not, I get the job done

And the 21-year-old says being labelled underrated does not bother him as long as he continues to deliver for his country.

The Tshwane-born speedster has played a crucial role in South Africa’s relay success, helping the team secure a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the World Athletics Relays in China last year.

Despite those achievements, much of his work often goes unnoticed, largely because he thrives in the team environment while still building his reputation in individual sprint events. 

However, Nkoana’s consistency, composure and fighting spirit have made him a trusted figure in the relay squad.

Speaking to SABC Sport ahead of the upcoming World Athletics Relays in Botswana from 2–3 May, Nkoana said recognition is secondary to performing when the team needs him most.

"Underrated or not, I still get the job done. I think all of us play a huge role in the team in our different positions, and people may undermine or overlook what we doubt its actually quite intense. 

"No matter who says anything, I know my goals and dreams and where I want to go in life."

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Nkoana, who is coached by Paul Gorries at North-West University in Potchefstroom, has mastered the demanding third-leg role in the relay team — often referred to as the benchmark leg.

His chemistry with South African sprint star Akani Simbine has become one of the team’s biggest strengths, with the pair executing smooth baton exchanges that keep the team competitive against the world’s best.

Nkoana says understanding his role and perfecting it has been key to his growth, and he takes pride in doing the small things right for the benefit of the team.

The talented sprinter showed his potential early, winning a silver medal at the South African senior national championships at just 17 years old, before adding a bronze medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships.

While he has already established himself as a reliable relay runner, Nkoana believes his best performances in individual events are still ahead of him.

He says patience and trust in the process remain central to his journey as he continues working on becoming a complete sprinter capable of competing consistently at the highest level.

Nkoana, who also claimed a silver medal at the national Under-23 championships at Green Point Stadium last year, has now set his sights on qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled for 23 July to 2 August.

To secure his place in the 100m event, he will need to clock the qualifying standard of 10.00 seconds. 

If he achieves that mark, he hopes to represent South Africa in both the individual 100m and the 4x100m relay.

"The first goal is qualify, and once I get there the plan is to get into that final where I'll be aiming for gold. I wasn't mentally ready for it last year, but I know I am right now. Preparations have been going well, even though we had a slight hiccup, but it's all God's timing. I know what I need to be doing, I just need to put trust and faith in him."