Fresh off a dominant streak in provincial league meetings, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Athletics Club is officially ready to descend upon the Mother City. From 23 to 25 April 2026, the Orange Army will take over the University of the Western Cape (UWC) tracks with a singular mission: defending their crown from the 2025 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Track and Field Championships.
The stakes are higher than ever this year. The championships serve as a critical gateway for national selection, as South Africa looks to finalize its roster for the World Athletics Relays in Botswana this May.
UJ enters the 2026 season with the momentum of a champion. At the 2025 championships in Pretoria, the club delivered a masterclass in athletic depth, securing the top spot with a staggering 322 points. Their medal haul was nothing short of historic with 10 gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze.
The power of 54: The road to Botswana
UJ has assembled a powerhouse squad of 54 men and women, blending seasoned veterans with rising stars. According to the Club Manager and Coach, Mr. Roger Haitengi, this balanced roster is not just competing for university pride; they are auditioning for the green and gold of Team South Africa.
“We have selected a trusted team of senior and emerging, talented student-athletes who we trust would do well to defend our title. It’s going to be a thrilling showdown, and we’re excited to fly down to Cape Town to represent UJ brilliantly like we usually do,” says Haitengi.
Haitengi noted that many athletes will be arriving in Cape Town “battle-hardened,” having competed in the ASA National Senior Championships just a week prior in the same province.
Some of the UJ stars to lookout for in this championship include:
- The sprint specialists: Retshidisitswe Mlenga (100m, 200m), Joviale Mbisha (100m, 200m), and Kayla La Grange (100m, 200m).
- The quarter-mile kings and queens: Lythe Pillay (400m, 4x400m) and Precious Molepo (200m, 400m, 4x400m).
- The endurance elites: Phemelo Ntoe and Boikanyo Motlhampe (covering 5000m through to 21km), plus Enoch Bokaba in the 3000m steeplechase.
- Middle distance and field: Paballo Radebe (800m, 1500m) and the versatile Martha Nkosi (High Jump, 100mH, 4x400m).
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