South Africa’s relay squads secured silver medals, national records and qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships during an exciting weekend in Botswana.
Gaborone, Botswana (04 May 2026) – The atmosphere in Gaborone felt almost like a home event for Team South Africa as the country’s relay squads delivered a series of impressive performances at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana.
Backed by loud support from the crowd at the Botswana National Stadium, South Africa’s men’s relay teams rose to the occasion with medals, national records and qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing all secured over an exciting weekend of athletics.
South African sprint star Akani Simbine also reflected on the experience afterwards, sharing that competing in Botswana felt special because local supporters embraced Team SA and cheered them on throughout the competition, adding to the energy and atmosphere around the event.
The men’s 4x100m team of Mvuyo Moss, Cheswill Johnson, Bradley Nkoana and Simbine once again showed why they remain one of the most exciting relay combinations in world athletics. After comfortably winning their heat on Saturday in 37.68 seconds to qualify for the world championships, the quartet returned for Sunday’s final full of confidence.
Anchored by Simbine, South Africa powered to a silver medal in a national record time of 37.49 seconds, finishing just behind the United States, who took gold in 37.43.
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The men’s 4x400m team also produced one of the standout moments of the competition. Mthi Mthimkulu, Lythe Pillay, Leendert Koekemoer and Zakithi Nene combined brilliantly to claim silver behind hosts Botswana in a thrilling final.
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Their time of 2:55.07 not only earned a podium finish but also saw the team set a new South African record as they held off Australia in the closing stages.
On the women’s side, there were still encouraging performances despite both relay teams narrowly missing out on qualification for Beijing. Although the women’s teams did not advance to the 2027 World Athletics Championships, the performances in Gaborone still reflected the growing depth.
Now the silver medals, record-breaking performances and world championship qualification is secured, Team South Africa will leave Botswana with plenty of confidence and momentum as preparations continue for the next major international stage.
Sources: Team South Africa
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