GABORONE, Botswana – A determined squad of eight South African athletes landed in the Botswana capital on Friday, launching a high-stakes “race against time” to secure qualification for the 2026 World Athletics Relays.
The contingent is set to compete in the Lefika International Relays on Saturday, March 28, targeting slots in the Women’s 4x100m and the Mixed 4x100m events. With the international qualification window set to slam shut on April 5, 2026, the pressure is on to perform. South Africa will face off against a competitive field that includes hosts Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
Refining the Technique
This weekend’s quest is the culmination of intensive preparation. Earlier this month, the relay hopefuls gathered at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Stadium for their first official training camp of the season. The athletes will be looking to translate the technical refinements and baton-exchange drills practiced at UJ into qualifying times on the Gaborone track.
Defending Champions and Continental Rivalries
South Africa heads into this relay season with a target on its back in several disciplines:
- Men’s 4x100m: Already qualified, the South African men are the reigning World Relays champions. They claimed the gold in Guangzhou, China, last year in a sensational performance that saw them edge out global powerhouses USA and Canada.
- Men’s 4x400m: Also defending their world title, the 4x400m squad is fueled by a desire for redemption. Despite their gold in Guangzhou, they narrowly missed out on the top spot at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last September, where hosts Botswana snatched victory in a thrilling “blanket finish” by just 0.07 seconds.
- Women’s 4x400m: Following a brilliant bronze-medal performance at last year’s World Relays, the women’s team is once again aiming for the podium.
- Mixed 4x400m: After finishing 5th in the world final last year, the mixed quartet is pushing to break into the medal bracket in 2026.
The Full House Goal
The mission in Gaborone is clear: if the Women’s 4x100m and the Mixed 4x100m teams successfully secure their spots this weekend, South Africa will achieve a “full house,” entering a team in every single event at the World Relays this year.
The Full Squad in Gaborone:
- Miranda Coetzee
- Jovial Mbisha
- Tamzin Gelant
- Chardone Smidt
- Leonette Vosloo
- Tsebo Matsoso
- Retshidisitswe Mlenga
- Cheswill Johnson
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For More South African Athletics News: SA Athletics team return home from World Championships
