ASA names strong squad to defend World Relay titles in Botswana

A 32-member preparation squad has been announced by Athletics South Africa (ASA) as the nation's top sprinters set their sights on repeating their dominance at the World Athletics Relays to be held in Gaborone, Botswana, on May 2–3, 2026.

At the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, last year, the SA team finished top of the overall table by earning three medals. The men's 4x100m and 4x400m squads secured gold, while the women's 4x400m quartet grabbed bronze.

In order to help the athletes gear up to produce their best performances at this year's relay showpiece, ASA has included 19 men and 13 women in the preparation squad for the 4x100m and 4x400m events. All athletes in the squad will be invited to training camps where they will prepare together with the national relay coaches.

THE SQUAD:

Men:

4x100m: Shaun Maswanganyi, Gift Leotlela, Akani Simbine, Sinesipho Dambile, Bayanda Walaza, Karabo Letebele, Bradley Nkoana, Tsebo Matsoso, Retshidisitswe Mlenga, Abduraghmaan Karriem.

4x400m: Wayde van Niekerk, Lythe Pillay, Zakithi Nene, Gardeo Isaacs, Leendert Koekemoer, Udeme Okon, Tumisang Shezi, Mthi Mthimkulu, Antonie Matthys Nortje.

Women:

4x100m: Hannah Hope Vermaak, Joviale Mbisha, Gabriella Marais, Chardone Smidt, Leonette Vosloo, Viwe Jingqi.

4x400m: Shirley Nekhubui, Zeney van der Walt, Hannah van Niekerk, Miranda Coetzee, Marlie Viljoen, Tamzin Thomas, Precious Molepo.

REFLECTING ON 2025 SUCCESS

In 2025, South Africa snatched three medals at the World Athletics Relays Championships in Guangzhou, China, where Athletics South Africa sent athletes to compete across four events: the men’s 4x100m, men’s and women’s 4x400m, and the mixed 4x400m.

Akani Simbine, Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, and Bradley Nkoana won the country’s first gold medal in the men’s 4x100m, crossing the finish line in 37.61, ahead of reigning world champions the USA and Olympic champions Canada. This marked the first time an African country won the 4x100m.

The second gold medal came from the men's 4x400m relay, with Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zakithi Nene working well together.

In the women’s 4x400m relay final, Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Precious Molepo, and Zeney van der Walt clocked a national record of 3:24.84 to win bronze.

In the mixed 4x400m relay, South Africa (3:16.29) crossed the line 5th, with the gold going to the United States.

Team South Africa shines bright at World Relay Champs in China

Team SA snatches 3 medals at World Athletics Relays Championships