Team SA will be hoping to build on the success of the weekend's World Relays in Gaborone when they begin the defence of their continental crown in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday.
Image: Athletics South Africa
Fresh off standout performances at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, sprint stars Lythe Pillay and Bradley Nkoana will spearhead South Africa’s challenge at the African Athletics Senior Championships in Accra, Ghana, from May 12-17.
Athletics South Africa (ASA) on Wednesday named a compact but formidable 34-member squad blending proven continental medallists with rising stars eager to make their mark on the African stage.
Much of the spotlight will fall on Pillay after the 400m ace delivered a stunning performance in the men’s 4x400m final at the World Relays, helping TeamSA secure silver behind hosts Botswana in a national record 2:55.07. That time saw them climb to third on the all-time world rankings, while Pillay's blistering 42.66 split is the fastest ever recorded in a 4x400m relay.
"I have to back it up now. It's another weight on my shoulders, but I'm keen to fulfil that," Pillay said on the team's return.
Nkoana also heads to Ghana brimming with confidence after playing a key role in South Africa’s silver-medal effort in the men’s 4x100m relay. He was part of the quartet that clocked an African record 37.49 to finish as runners-up behind the USA.
Both relay teams booked automatic qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China, through their podium finishes in Gaborone. Rogail Joseph and Marlie Viljoen were also part of the mixed 4x400m team that secured qualification for next year’s global showpiece and will look to carry that momentum into the continental championships.
Joviale Mbisha and Kayla la Grange, who helped set a South African record of 43.22 in the women’s 4x100m heats in Botswana, are also included in the travelling squad. The athletes' recent exploits underline the growing strength of South African sprinting ahead of the continental showpiece, where the team will aim to defend the title they won at the previous edition.
Sprinter Joviale Mbisha helped set a South African record of 43.22 in the women’s 4x100m heats in Botswana, and is primed for more success in Ghana next week.
Image: Athletics South Africa
The squad includes 10 athletes who have previously earned medals at the African Championships, among them world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso, sprint hurdler Marione Fourie, Joseph, and resurgent former world champion long jumper Luvo Manyonga.
Acting ASA president John Mathane said the squad had been carefully selected to maintain South Africa’s proud continental standing.
“We have once again selected athletes that we believe will defend our crown and maintain the dignity of the nation,” Mathane said. “There’s a good balance between experience and fresh glory seekers, but all hungry for the podium.
“We are always happy to compete at this stage because it’s a contest amongst sister countries, where we face the best of the best. It’s also a good stage to strengthen the character of an athlete.”
Men: Bradley Nkoana, Mihlali Xotyeni, Lythe Pillay, Edmund du Plessis, Luan Munnik, Denmar Jacobs, Wernich van Rensburg, Matao le Roux, Valco van Wyk, Luvo Manyonga, Aiden Smith, Righardt Stander, Tshepang Makhethe, Douw Smit, Morne van As, Rivers Williams
Women: Joviale Mbisha, Kayla la Grange, Marlie Viljoen, Prudence Sekgodiso, Karabo More, Tayla Kavanagh, Karabo Mailula, Carina Swiegers, Marione Fourie, Rogail Joseph, Kristi Snyman, Ansume de Beer, Danielle Nolte, Zinzi Xulu, Colette Uys, Leandri Holtzhausen, Jana van Schalkwyk, Enya Pooler, Zelda Botha