ASA name strong squad for African Athletics Championships

The national team heads to West Africa full of confidence after an impressive showing at the World Relay Championships in Botswana, where South Africa won two silver medals in the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay events.

Speaking to SABC Sport, SA 400m champion Lythe Pillay said he is determined to continue improving and establish himself among the best senior athletes in the world.

“The aim is to challenge myself at the African Championships and then go to Europe and make an impact. Last year was difficult because I battled with injuries, but now I am healthy and feeling strong again," said Pillay.

“It has not been easy moving from junior level to senior level, but I am enjoying my athletics again. I want to improve my times, grow in confidence, and continue learning.”

READ: Koekemoer reflects on a flying start to the season

The team also features big names such as former world indoor 800m champion Prudence Sekgodiso, talented hurdler Rogail Josephs, exciting sprinter Bradley Nkoana, sprint hurdles star Marione Fourie and former world long jump champion Luvo Manyonga.

Double South African women’s 100m champion Joviale Mbisha is another athlete expected to shine in Ghana, having successfully defended her national title earlier this year and heads into the continental championships full of confidence.

“So far it has been a great season for me and the goal is to continue improving and make my country proud. The women’s 100m is becoming very competitive in South Africa and now I want to test myself against the best athletes in Africa,” Mbisha added.

She was also part of the South African women’s 4x100m relay team at the World Relays in Botswana and believes the experience has helped her grow as an athlete.

Meanwhile, national 5 000m and 10 000m champion Tayla Kavanagh will be one of the middle distance athletes to watch after enjoying a breakthrough season on the track. Kavanagh has been in excellent form this year and will be hoping to continue her winning run against some of Africa’s top distance runners.