Retshidisitswe Mlenga ready to battle for SA relay spot

The 25-year-old University of Johannesburg student served as a reserve when South Africa competed at the global championships in Tokyo last year, an experience that left him hungry for a more prominent role in the squad.

Mlenga, a former world junior star who clinched the World Under-18 200m title and a silver medal in the 100m in 2017, saw his promising career slowed by personal challenges after his early success.

But the Free State-born speedster says those difficult years have shaped him into a stronger and more focused athlete determined to make his mark at senior level.

“Yes, I am here to fight for my place in the national relay team, and the fight is going well. Everything is going well on my side. I am healthy, ready and prepared to compete for a place in the team,” said Mlenga.

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Beyond the relay ambitions, the energetic sprinter also has his eyes firmly set on breaking the sub-10 second barrier again as he targets qualification for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August.

 With a personal best of 9.99 seconds, Mlenga believes it is only a matter of time before he returns to that elite territory.

“It’s a strange season because I’ve had a few injuries and niggles, but I’m staying positive and motivating myself every day. It’s challenging, but I’m grateful to still be running,” he said.

“There are many South African sprinters in great form, and that’s good for competition. The country is doing well in sprinting and that pushes me to keep working harder.”

Mlenga says being a reserve last season has fuelled his hunger and sharpened his focus.

“Obviously I have to fight, and being a reserve last year motivated me. It means every chance I get to compete, I must run fast,” he explained.

“This year is about qualifying for the Commonwealth Games. I believe in myself and I’m chasing that sub-10 again. I’ve struggled to get there consistently, but I’m determined to bring back the old Mulenga.”

With renewed confidence, experience, and unfinished business, Mulenga is sprinting with purpose — determined to secure his lane in South Africa’s relay future.