Team SA soaring at African Youth Games

The championships, which began on 10 December, conclude on Saturday, with Team SA still on course to increase its medal haul.

South Africa has so far claimed 39 gold, 28 silver and 13 bronze medals from the squad of 88 athletes and, with several days of competition remaining, more medals are expected.

SASCOC High Performance Manager Leon Fleisher, who is accompanying the multi-coded team competing across 10 sporting disciplines, said swimming and athletics continue to be the backbone of South Africa’s success.

“Swimming and athletics continue to lead the way, and we will keep supporting them. If these two codes are performing at a high level, South Africa stands a strong chance of winning medals at both junior and senior competitions,” said Fleisher.

He also highlighted the identification of a standout young high jumper in athletics, who will now be placed on a long-term development programme.

“What we are witnessing here in Luanda shows that if we take care of our development structures, this country can go far and compete with the world’s sporting powerhouses," he added.

"Our focus is on development and making sure we look after these young athletes."

Swimming alone has totalled to an outstanding 50 medals, which includes 27 gold, 16 silver and seven bronze medals, underlining a promising future for the sport and no doubt pleasing Swimming South Africa president Alan Fritz.

Tennis also got underway on Monday, with Team SA recording two wins in the singles round-of-16 matches, further boosting the country’s medal prospects.

Fleisher is hopeful Team SA will reach the 100-medal mark by the end of the championships, although he acknowledged stiff competition from larger delegations.

“Algeria and Egypt are favourites because they have bigger squads. Algeria, for example, has brought about 200 athletes, while we only have 88 – that gives them an advantage, but we are right up there. 

"Every day our medal tally is growing, and I would like to thank the parents and coaches for trusting us with their athletes,” he concluded.