Bayanda Walaza and Ferdinand Omanyala are to rekindle their rivalry at the upcoming Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi. There is no doubt that fans will be treated to one of Africa`s most thrilling sprints by the two sports elites. Walaza, the 19-year-old South African sprint prodigy and double World U20 champion, has taken the athletics world by storm in 2025.
Meanwhile, Walaza recently became the second man this season to break the 10-second barrier, clocking a blistering 9.99 seconds. He attained his new record at the Athletics Gauteng North Championships. Setting a new South African U20 record. Moreover, Bayanda Walaza’s rapid rise has seen him dominate the junior sprints and even challenge established stars across the continent.
On the other side stands Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man and the current continental record holder with a personal best of 9.77 seconds. Omanyala has maintained strong form in 2025. He ran 10.00 seconds to finish second to Akani Simbine at the Botswana Continental Tour. He has also won the men’s 100m in 10.08 seconds at the ASA Grand Prix 2 in Johannesburg.
Additionally, Omanyala, known for his explosive starts and powerful finishes, thrives on home soil and will have the Nairobi crowd firmly behind him.
What Fans and Analysts Alike Should Expect from Bayanda Walaza and Ferdinand Omanyala
Moreover, both athletes have traded impressive performances this season, but they have yet to face off head-to-head in a major final. Their meeting at the Kip Keino Classic promises fireworks. With Walaza’s youthful momentum pitted against Omanyala’s experience and record-breaking pedigree.
However, with both men consistently running sub-10-second times, the race is set to test the limits of African sprinting. A move that could produce one of the fastest 100m times of the year.
Meanwhile, as the athletics world turns its attention to Nairobi, all eyes will be on Walaza and Omanyala. Will the rising star dethrone the king, or will Omanyala’s dominance continue?
For sure, this is a showdown no sprint fan will want to miss.
