UJ sprinters shine as Team SA clinches silver at World Athletics Relays

The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Athletics Club’s student-athletes and club members played a pivotal role in Team South Africa’s stellar performance at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana, securing two silver medals and shattering continental and national records.

South African track team posing for a photo outdoors in green uniforms on a sunny grassy field with a large white tent in the background. — UJ Athletes and Coach in Botswana

The University was one of the primary contributors to the national team, sending a formidable contingent of 12 sprinters, supported by elite coach Reneilwe Aphane and the team’s medical staff.

The South African men’s relay teams delivered world-class performances, with UJ athletes at the heart of the action. In the Men’s 4x100m Relay, club member Cheswill Johnson and student-athlete Mvuyo Moss joined forces with Akani Simbine and Bradley Nkoana to claim the silver medal. The quartet made history by clocking a blistering 37.49 seconds, setting a new African Record.

In the Men’s 4x400m Relay, Olympian Lythe Pillay spearheaded the South African charge alongside Zakithi Nene, Leendert Koekemoer, and Mthi Mthimkhulu. Despite a narrow miss on defending their title, the team secured silver and established a new South African National Record with an incredible time of 2:55.07.

UJ’s deep talent pool:

Four South African male sprinters stand arm-in-arm on a blue running track, draped in national flags and smiling for the camera. — Team SA’s 4x400m quartet won a silver medal in the World Relays held in Botswana

Beyond the podium finishes, several UJ athletes were instrumental in navigating the heats and representing the Orange Army on the international stage. The inclusion of such a high volume of UJ personnel – ranging from track stars to technical coaching staff – underscores the University’s vital role in the pipeline of South African sporting excellence. “These results not only bring pride to the institution but also position these athletes as top contenders for upcoming global championships,” says Roger Haitengi, Coach and Manager: UJ Athletics Club.

4x100m men: Cheswill Johnson, Mvuyo Moss, Retshidisitswe Mlenga, Tsebo Matsoso

4x100m women: Joviale Mbisha, Kayla La Grange

4x400m men: Lythe Pillay, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer

4x400m women: Precious Molepo, Mia de Beer

Follow UJ Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram for daily updates.