Joviale Mbisha not surprised her national sprint title defence

She says that she knew that she would rise to the top because she works hard. Many viewed her maiden national title in Potchefstroom last year as a shock, but not her. She insists that she knew that she was going to win in the North West in 2025. 

Mbisha, a South African with a French heritage, defended her title at the Athletics South Africa National Senior Track and Field Championships stopping the clock in 11.55 seconds to pip of two-time national champion Viwe Jingqi on the line, who was credited with the same time, while Gabriella Maraise of Athletics Free State was third in 11.72 seconds in Stellenbosch on Thursday.

"I don’t think it was a shock. I think it was a shock for the world but not for me. I always back myself. Usually I always go into a race as an underdog but I don't view myself as the underdog, maybe other people do but not me I always back myself," said Mbisha

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The 26-year-old silenced her doubters, who believed that she would not have won the national title in the North West province had Viwe Jingqi not pulled out due to injury. However, she won the race beating the pre-race favourite and silenced her doubters.

"There's always going to be naysayers, there's always going to be haters and doubters. If you don't doubt yourself that's what matters the most. But obviously I am also happy that I could run with all the girls, full lane, It was nice."

She described defending her title as sweet as she started to look ahead to her season while confirming that she would compete at the Akani Simbine Classics in Tshwane later this month.

"Amazing! I love it, I am happy. What's next is going to be the Akani Simbine Classic shoot-out, World Relays and then we build up to everything else."