South Africa has announced a strong 19-athlete squad for the upcoming World Athletics Relays, set to take place in Guangzhou, China, on 10 and 11 May 2025.
The team will compete across four key relay events, the men’s 4x100m, men’s 4x400m, women’s 4x400m, and the mixed 4x400m.
The men’s 4x100m relay team boasts an exciting lineup, headlined by South Africa’s national 100m record holder Akani Simbine. Bayanda Walaza and Bradley Nkoana will join Simbine after helping him secure a silver medal in the sprint relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The national 200m champion Sinesipho Dambile, along with Retshidisitswe Mlenga and Tsebo Matsoso, further strengthens the team.
In men’s 4x400m relay features Zakithi Nene, South Africa’s reigning 400m champion, and Udeme Okon. Adding to the firepower is Lythe Pillay, a former world junior champion, alongside Gardeo Isaacs, Tumisang Shezi, and Mthi Mthimkulu. Nene, Pillay, and Isaacs were part of the quartet that clinched silver at the 2024 World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas.
The national 400m champion Miranda Coetzee, will spearhead the women’s 4x400m relay, supported by Zeney Geldenhuys and Hannah van Niekerk. The team also includes Shirley Nekhubui, Precious Molepo, and Jada van Staden.
The mixed 4x400m relay will see Gardeo Isaacs, Miranda Coetzee, and Shirley Nekhubui joined by Leendert Koekemoer.
World Athletics received final entries on 21 April 2025, excluding Potchefstroom nationals from selection. However, the team will undergo an intensive training camp at the University of Johannesburg from 3-6 May 2025.
President of Athletics South Africa James Moloi, expressed confidence in the team’s potential.
“We are excited about the prospects of this national team based on how some of our athletes have been performing in their build-ups this year.
The athletes are highly motivated, especially after our successes at last year’s global championships. We congratulate all who have made the team and trust they will rise to the occasion.”