The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Athletics Club delivered an impressive performance at the 2024 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Track and Field Championships at Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch from 4 to 6 April 2024. Despite strong winds and facing injury challenges, UJ athletes secured a remarkable 20 medals, showcasing their determination and talent.
Joviale Mbisha, Phemelo Ntoe, Khunedi Mashishi, Enoch Bokaba, Nkosinathi Sibiya and Naeem Razak as well as Sabelo Dhlamini won gold medals for the Orange Army (UJ).
UJ’s combined team secured a well-deserved third place finish with a total of 256 points. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished strongly, ranking second with 131 and 125 points in their respective categories.
On the opening day (4 April 2024) of the competition, the UJ student-athletes got off to a great start with Bokaba and Mashishi winning the first two gold medals for Team UJ in the men’s and women’s 3000m steeplechase. Katlego Madiope and Prince Madume put UJ as a strong contender, adding silver and bronze medals in the men’s event.
UJ’s golden performers:
| Event | Athlete(s) | Time / Distance |
| Women’s Senior 100m | Joviale Mbisha | 11.70sec |
| Men’s Senior 10km (10,000m) | Phemelo Ntoe | 29:50.01 |
| Women’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase | Khunedi Mashishi | 10:58.53 |
| Men’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase | Enoch Bokaba | 09:07.92
|
| Men’s Senior 110m Hurdles | Naeem Razak | 14.64 |
| Mixed 4x100m Relay | UJ A’s Bophelo Seoe, Kayla la Grange, Rorisang Padi, Joviale Mbisha | 0:46.42 |
| Men’s Senior 5000m | Nkosinathi Sibiya | 13:14.08 |
| Men’s Senior 400m Hurdles | Sabelo Dhlamini | 50.52 |
UJ’s silver medalists:
| Event | Athlete(s) | Time / Distance |
| Men’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase | Katlego Madiope | 09:12.09 |
| Mixed 4x400m Relay | Sabelo Dhlamini, Precious Molepo, Nhlanhla Maseko, & Akonyi Ngongo | 03:29.54 |
| Women’s Senior 200m | Joviale Mbisha | 24.31 |
UJ’s bronze medalists:
| Event | Athlete(s) | Time / Distance |
| Women’s Senior 10km (10,000m) | Sisanda Dumisa | 36:03.91 |
| Men’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase | Prince Madume | 09:17.23 |
| Men’s Senior 1500m | Nkosinathi Sibiya | 03:50.56 |
| Women’s Senior Triple Jump | Mahlatse Dombeni | 11.98m |
| Men’s Senior High Jump | Tshwanelo Aabobe | 2.05m |
| Women’s Senior 4x400m Relay | UJ’s Relay Team A | 03:47.87 |
| Women’s Senior High Jump | Martha Nkosi | 1.65m |
| Men’s Senior Triple Jump | Tshwanelo Aabobe | 15.72m |
| Women’s Senior 100m | Kayla La Grange | 11.97 |
Coach Roger Haitengi praised the team’s unwavering spirit. He acknowledged the impact of injuries, but commended the athletes’ fighting spirit and highlighted the achievements by both the men’s and women’s teams. “I’m super proud of the team. We were unfortunate that we were battling injuries with about eight students, and as a result we lost on a number of points.
“Nevertheless, the students fought very well for the university. We went into the championship with the right mindset, aiming to defend our 2023 title. We finished in third place and that’s still commendable. The fact that both our male and female groups finished in second places each speaks volumes,” says Haitengi.
UJ Sportswoman of the Year shines:
Living up to expectations, UJ’s 2023 Sportswoman of the Year, Joviale Mbisha, secured a commendable four medals. Mbisha’s performance included a gold in the 100m individual race and another in the 4x400m relay alongside teammates Bophelo Seoe, Kayla la Grange, and Rorisang Padi.
“I feel really ecstatic, it’s been long time coming. I trained really well and also prepared as a group. I’m mentally stronger now and I believe in myself and my hardwork, accept that I’m here to compete for the top prizes. So, I’m really happy with the outcomes,” exclaimed the ecstatic Mbisha after winning four medals in the competition.
Up-next: ASA National Championships
With minimal rest, some UJ athletes will be back in action from April 18th to 21st at the Athletics South Africa Senior Track and Field National Championships at Msunduzi Athletics Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal.
Follow UJ Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram for daily updates.
