Team SA shine in Ghana to defend African title despite challenges

Despite facing challenges away from the track and field, the South African team delivered an outstanding performance over six days of competition, collecting 21 medals made up of nine gold, four silver, and eight bronze medals to successfully defend their African title.

At the previous African Senior Championships held in Mauritius in 2024, South Africa finished with 19 medals, including nine gold, four silver, and six bronze medals.

The team travelled to Ghana with a relatively small squad of only 34 athletes, but they competed with courage, determination, and pride against some of Africa’s best athletes.

Throughout the championships, the athletes remained united and focused on their performances, refusing to let the off-field issues distract them from their goals.

Concerns around accommodation and conditions at the University of Ghana became one of the major talking points during the week.

Earlier in the championships, two-time national shot-put champion Aiden Smith voiced his frustration on social media regarding the treatment of athletes.

His comments quickly attracted attention and led to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie stepping in to offer alternative accommodation for Team SA athletes.

However, despite the difficulties, the South African team chose to stay together with the official athletes at the University of Ghana.

There were also complaints regarding scheduling and timing during the competition, but the South Africans continued to rise above the disruptions.

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Instead of allowing the problems to affect them, the athletes responded with impressive performances and medal-winning displays.

Smith led the way for Team SA after winning gold in the men’s shot put, continuing his excellent form this season.

Former world champion Luvo Manyonga also produced an emotional comeback by winning his first African senior title in the men’s long jump.

Kristi Snyman secured gold in the women’s high jump, while Ansuné de Beer added another gold medal in the women’s pole vault.

On the track, World Under-20 100m bronze medallist Bradley Nkoana continued his rise by winning silver in the men’s 100m sprint.

Leandri Holtzhausen also impressed by winning silver in the women’s hammer throw, while Wernich van Rensburg claimed bronze in the men’s 400m hurdles.

Another bronze medal came from Righardt Stander in the men’s decathlon.

Team SA finished the championships strongly on the final day of competition.

Luan Munnik won gold in the men’s 1500m, while Karabo More claimed victory in the women’s 1500m.

Rogail Josephs also added gold in the women’s 400m.

Silver medals were won by Tshepo Tshite in the men’s 1500m, Enya Pooler in the women’s heptathlon, and Mateo Le Roux in the men’s high jump.

Bronze medals were collected by Tshepang Makhetha in the men’s hammer throw, Zinzi Xulu in the women’s high jump, Mihlali Xhotyeni in the men’s 200m, Jana van Schalkwyk in the women’s javelin, and Douw van As in the men’s javelin.