The first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting in South Africa promises thrilling competition and a platform for young talent.
Johannesburg, South Africa (09 March 2026) – When talking about the inaugural Simbine Classic, Akani Simbine is quick to make it clear that the event is not about him. Instead, the South African sprint star says the goal is to create a world-class athletics platform on the continent that inspires the next generation while showcasing African talent to the world.
The Simbine Classic, set to take place at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria on 28 April, will be the first World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting hosted in South Africa. For Simbine, this builds on the success of the Simbine Classic Shootout. Now, the concept has grown into something far bigger. It is filling a gap that has long existed in the local athletics calendar.
“There was a gap of a competition, and I felt it was important to fill that gap.”
Simbine believes bringing this level of competition to Africa can play a powerful role in inspiring the next generation.
“If we have it in Africa, it can inspire the next generation because I know what it’s like to grow up as a sprinter here.”
For the Olympian, the long-term vision is to see the meet grow into a permanent fixture on the global athletics calendar while also helping develop the sport locally.
While fans might expect a sprinter like Simbine to highlight the 100m as the main attraction, choosing a favourite event from the programme is nearly impossible.
“All of them,” he laughed when asked which event he was most excited to watch.
Off the track, that commitment to development continues through the Akani Simbine Foundation. The foundation currently supports around 40 young athletes, focusing not only on their sporting progress but also their education and long-term opportunities.
“We’re not just training them to be athletes. We’re trying to give them opportunities so that one day they can get an education, a qualification and be able to build a life for themselves.”
The impact of Simbine’s presence in the sport has also been felt by younger athletes coming through the ranks.
World Championships bronze medallist Lythe Pillay, who was part of South Africa’s men’s 4x400m relay team alongside Udeme Okon, Wayde van Niekerk and Zakithi Nene, said Simbine has been someone many athletes look up to while navigating the pressures of elite competition.
“For many of us athletes, we hope to follow that example and one day give back to the sport as well.”
The spotlight now turns to the event, promising an exciting meet across multiple events.
With the launch behind us and the meet ahead, Pretoria is about to witness an evening of world-class athletics.
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