By
University of Johannesburg head of athletics Roger Haitengi has revealed strong interest in securing World U20 400m champion Udeme Okon once he completes his matric.
Despite still being a high school learner at Florida High School in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, Okon already competes under UJ colours and uses their facilities for training.
Haitengi told SABC Sport that UJ plans to offer the teenager, who claimed gold in the 400m and silver in the 4x400m relay at last year’s World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Peru, a scholarship to persuade him to remain in the country next year.
"I want to keep Udeme Okon and his coach, Lyle Wentzel, here with us. He feels at home here — he loves the environment, the people, and has become like family," said Haitengi.
"I believe this is where he wants to be, and we’ll do everything we can to support him, help him earn a degree, and make sure he has something solid to fall back on."
UJ hopes Okon will follow the example of World U20 100m and 200m champion Bayanda Walaza, who turned down offers from American universities to stay at Tshwane University of Technology, where he is studying and training under long-time coach Thabo Matebedi.
“When you head to the States, the competition is non-stop — once you sign with a university there, you’re expected to compete week in and week out for the full four years, and they make sure to get the most out of you," he added.
"Here in South Africa, the approach is different; we focus on gradually building you up.
Athletes compete at provincial championships and can be selected for various competitions, which gives them room to grow.
"Our goal is always the bigger picture – we want to see athletes qualify for the Olympics and prepare for life after athletics. Running non-stop for four years takes a heavy toll on both the body and the mind, which is why breaks are important.
"That’s why I’m trying to retain him and keep young talent here – it makes it easier for federations to select teams."
Haitengi further noted what UJ offers athletes in terms of education and sporting facilities, as well as ample support in both spheres.
“We’ve built a strong and growing group here. We’re proving that you don’t have to go to America to succeed on the international stage, you can stay right here in South Africa and make it.
"We’ve got the coaches, facilities, knowledge, and the level of competition to match the best. We’re building something special. I try to keep our young athletes here because we have a strong system in place, and it’s important for their growth to stay within it.
"They get plenty of opportunities to compete both locally and across Africa. Our university setup is excellent and, while athletes in the U.S. often compete a lot and perform well at college level, that doesn’t always guarantee long-term success at senior level," he concluded.
Other national athletes Lythe Pillay, Shirley Nekhubui, Leandri Holtzhausen, and Precious Molepo are among the top talents currently studying and competing with UJ.
