South Africa’s relay teams shift focus to the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, where World Championships qualification will be announced on the line.
Gaborone, Botswana (30 April 2026) – Fresh off an exciting week of athletics at the Simbine Classic in Pretoria, South African track stars are back in action this long weekend. However, this time, chasing relay glory in the relays.
Team South Africa will head to the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 in Botswana on 2 and 3 May, where some of the world’s top sprint nations will battle it out for medals, prize money and qualification for the finals and secure their places at the World Athletics Championships Beijing 2027.
One of the biggest talking points heading into the event is the men’s 4x400m relay, where South Africa will once again renew its growing rivalry with hosts Botswana and Belgium. The three nations have dominated the event in recent years, finishing in the top three at the previous two editions of the World Relays.
South Africa arrived in Gaborone as defending champions after winning gold in Guangzhou last year. The quartet of Gardeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer and Zakithi Nene delivered a memorable performance to secure the title ahead of Belgium and Botswana.
Fans can also look forward to seeing Lythe Pillay back in the relay mix. The world U20 champion has become one of South Africa’s most exciting one-lap runners and adds even more firepower to the squad.
The format brings extra pressure and excitement. On day one, the top two teams in each heat automatically qualify for both the finals and the World Championships in Beijing next year. Teams that miss out will get one more chance on day two, where the remaining qualification spots will be decided.
A strong showing in Gaborone would continue the country’s impressive momentum in athletics following standout performances at the Simbine Classic, where athletes like Prudence Sekgodiso, Karabo More and Tumi Ramokgopa thrilled local fans on home soil.
With Botswana hosting the event and eager to impress in front of a home crowd, South Africa can expect a fierce challenge in what promises to be one of the standout athletics events of the weekend.
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