A masterclass, consistent three-day performance by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Athletics Club earned the team 347 points to claim the second consecutive University Sport South Africa (USSA) Track and Field title in Cape Town. The 54-member “Orange Army” put up a show in this gruelling competition at the University of the Western Cape from 23-25 April 2026. UJ amassed a total of 347 points to claim the top spot on the podium for the second consecutive year.

The Orange Army (UJ Athletics) secured a total of 38 medals, comprising 11 gold, 12 silver and 15 bronze.

Medal haul and key highlights:

The squad’s balanced excellence across sprints, jumps, middle distance, and throws resulted in a massive haul of 38 medals. The championship began with a surge of momentum on Day 1, led by national women’s 100m champion Joviale Mbisha, alongside standout performers Precious Molepo and Tshepo Tyantini. The dominance continued through the final day, punctuated by a podium sweep in the long-distance events.

“The athletes have given this competition their very best after competing in the recent Senior National Championships… that’s taxing on the body, but you see the commitment through the results,” said Roger Haitengi, Manager and Coach: UJ Athletics Club.

The Champions: Gold Medalists:

Sprints: Joviale Mbisha (Women’s 100m – 11.70s), Tshepo Tjantini (Men’s 100m – 10.34s), Precious Molepo (Women’s 400m – 52.16s).

Distance: Mosale Thobejane (Women’s 10,000m – 38:27.43), Boikanyo Motlhamme (Men’s Half Marathon – 59:35.60), Enoch Bokaba (Men’s 3000m Steeplechase – 8:52.21).

Field: Martha Nkosi (Women’s High Jump – 1.73m), Nolwazi Mashaba (Women’s Long Jump – 5.92m), Aiden Smith (Men’s Shotput – 20.01m).

Relays: Men’s 4x100m (39.81s) and Mixed 4x100m (42.77s).

Silver and Bronze Success:

The depth of the UJ contingent was evidenced by numerous podium finishes that secured the points lead:

Silver Medalists: Paballo Radebe (men’s 800m 2:08.34), Tumelo Lerumo (men’s 5000m 13:56.88), Casey Bosman (women’s 10,000m 39:00.17), Boikanyo Motlhamme (men’s 10,000m 30:00.72), Casey Bosman (women’s half marathon 1:15:58.56), Prince Madume (men’s half marathon 1:00:10.27), Penelope Shipalana (women’s heptathlon 100m hurdles), Nolwazi Mashaba 9 women’s triple jump 12.06m), Dawid Afrikaner (men’s triple jump 16.02m), UJ women’s 4x100m relay team 0:46.39), UJ mixed 4x100m relay team 0:43.31), and women’s 4x400m relay team 03:38.27).

Bronze Medalists: Kayla La Grange (women’s 100m 11.77), Paballo Radebe (men’s 1500m 04:23.57), Kgopotso Shokane (women’s 10,000m 39:29.54), Prince Madume (men’s 10,000m 30:08.18), Mosale Thobejane (women’s half marathon 1:17:37.13), Lehlogonolo Lusiti (men’s half marathon 1:00:10.47), Kgopotso Shokane (women’s 3000m steeplechase) 11:06.36), Nhlanhla Mnothoza (men’s 3000m steeplechase 08:59.79), Penelope Shipalana (women’s 400m hurdles 0:58.89), Atang Naane (women’s long jump 5.79m), Olivia Muya (women’s triple jump 11.84m), Thato Kgala (men’s triple jump 15.51m), and Mignon La Grange (women’s shot put 13.59m, and women’s discus 51.30m).

Looking Ahead

There is no rest for the champions. Following their triumph in Cape Town, several student-athletes have already departed for international assignments, including the World Athletics Relays and meetings in Botswana. Locally, the team will continue to showcase its talent at the Akani Simbine Classic in Tshwane.

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