Top field lines up SA champs at Tuks
Top field lines up at SA Champs
JOHANNESBURG, April 15 (ANA) – The rainbow nation’s finest will line up at the Athletics SA Senior Track & Field and 20km Walk + Combined Events Championships at Tuks Athletics Stadium, in Tshwane, on Thursday.
The entry lists have already defined the explosive rivalries ahead and national 100m record holder Akani Simbine will spearhead host province Athletics Gauteng North in the men’s 100m in a head-to-head against provincial teammates Gift Leotlela and Thando Dlodlo.
Simbine has also been entered for the 200m where he will seek revenge against Olympic 400m champion and world record holder Wayde Van Niekerk (AFS) who rocketed to victory crossing the line in 20.10 at Ruimsig, Johannesburg last month. He relegated Simbine to second place in 20.29 in wet and windy conditions.
This clash also sees another take for Anaso Jobodwana (KZNA) who could not be happy with his sixth-place finish at Ruimsig, while SA record holder Clarence Munyai (AGN), known for his strength on the bend, will be seeking to prove his form.
While his departure for the United States is imminent to join a new training group ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, Van Niekerk has also been entered for the men’s 400m as favourite to lead the Athletics Free State squad to the top of the podium. Zakithi Nene (KZNA) and young prodigy Lythe Pillay (CGA) are his top opponents.
Versatile middle-distance runner Caster Semenya will line up against fellow provincial teammate from AGN, defending champion Glenrose Xaba in the women’s 5 000m race, while in the men’s version Precious Mashele (CGA) will fight off Mbuleli Mathanga (KZNA) who will be looking to dethrone him.
Boland Athletics will also go in search of multiple medals with a squad which is led by former World Athletics Championships long jump silver medallist Ruswahl Samaai, who will be facing a challenge from Cheswell Johnson (CGA), and Olympic medallist Sunette Viljoen who will turn out as the favourite in the women’s javelin throw.
National 110m hurdles record holder Antonio Alkana (Western Province Athletics) will be in battle against Ruan Du Vries (AGN), while Central Gauteng Athletics teammates Kyle Blignaut and Jason van Rooyen are expected to dominate the men’s shot put.
The 400m hurdles should continue its traditional excitement where Wenda Nel (AGN) will lead her provincial teammates Taylon Bieldt (AGN) and Zeney van der Walt (AGN) in an attempt to take all podium positions.
The men’s 800m will be headlined by Tshepo Tshite (AGN) and Renier De Villier (AVT). – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman
