SA men’s relay teams claim silver as record and qualification mark strong World Relays showing

The South African men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams produced gutsy performances but ultimately had to settle for silver on day two of the Debswana World Athletics Relays in Gaborone on Sunday.

Team SA kept faith with the men’s 4x100m combination that progressed from the heats, and they came within a whisker of securing back-to-back gold medals. The quartet clocked an African record of 37.49 seconds in a thrilling final.

Vuyo Moss, Cheswill Johnson and Bradley Nkoana ensured South Africa were firmly in contention after three legs, before captain Akani Simbine powered down the final straight. However, he was unable to reel in the USA’s Pjai Austin, with the Americans taking gold in 37.43, while Germany claimed bronze in 37.76.

There was one change to the men’s 4x400m line-up for the final, with Lythe Pillay replacing Udeme Okon to join Mthi Mthimkulu, Leendert Koekemoer and Zakithi Nene.

All four South Africans delivered strong runs, with youngster Koekemoer particularly impressive, but they were unable to deny Botswana a memorable home victory. Collen Kebinatshipi surged clear of Nene in the closing metres to hand the hosts gold in 2:55.47, with South Africa finishing second in 2:55.07 and Australia third in 2:55.20.

Despite missing out on top honours, both South African men’s teams booked their places at next year’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

They will be joined by the mixed 4x400m relay team, who also secured qualification during Sunday’s second round of heats. Gardeo Isaacs, Rogail Joseph, Bradley Maponyane and Marlie Viljoen clocked 3:12.77 to win their heat, finishing ahead of Nigeria as both teams advanced to Beijing 2027.