The month of July has been a spectacular showcase for the University of Johannesburg (UJ) student-athletes and club members as seasoned performers delivered breathtaking performances in various events. From the vibrant tracks of Nigeria to the prestigious fields of Germany, and even the challenging roads of Phalaborwa, UJ’s student-athletes have soared to championships statuses.
African Dominance in Abeokuta
At the CAA African U18 and U20 Championship, held in Abeokuta, Nigeria, from the 16th to the 20th of July 2025, UJ’s rising stars made their presence felt. The young Martha Nkosi leapt to glory, securing a gold medal in the Women’s U20 High Jump with an impressive clearance of 1.74m.
Joining her in the winner’s circle was UJ Athletic Club member Oluchi Ndubueze, who dominated the Women’s U18 Long Jump with a golden leap of 5.79m. Ndubueze further demonstrated her versatility and team spirit by contributing to the Women’s 4x100m U18 relay team’s silver medal finish.
University Stars Conquer Germany:
Meanwhile, at the highly anticipated FISU World Student Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from, UJ talent also etched their names into the history books.
The standout performance came from Lythe Pillay, who blazed around the track to clinch a magnificent gold medal in the Men’s 400m sprint, clocking an astounding 44.84 seconds. Pillay’s brilliance did not stop there, as he also secured a silver medal in the thrilling 4x400m mixed relay.
Precious Molepo joined Pillay in the mixed relay success, also earned a well-deserved silver medal, highlighting the depth of talent in South Africa’s relay teams.
Adding to the sprint accolades, Retshidisitswe Mlenga was a crucial part of the Men’s 4x100m relay team that earned a silver medal with a swift time of 38.80 seconds. Mlenga’s form leading up to the Games was electric, including a blistering 9.99-second run in Austria on 23 July, underscoring his world-class speed.
Road Running Royalty in Phalaborwa
Closer to home, the ASA Road Championship in Phalaborwa on 26 July saw another UJ student-athlete rise to the occasion. Boikanyo Motlhamme showcased incredible endurance and pace, clinching a gold medal in the 1-mile road race with a phenomenal time of 4:02.
These remarkable achievements across various disciplines and championships underscore the vibrant talent pool within the University’s athletics ranks. With young athletes making their mark on the international stage and experienced university athletes proving their mettle, the future of track and field in at UJ looks exceptionally bright.
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