The squad comprises 19 men and 13 women across the 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams.

The announcement comes as SA looks to build on a highly successful outing at the 2025 World Senior Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China, where the national teams secured three medals, gold in the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays, and bronze in the women’s 4x400m.

ASA said athletes will be invited to a series of training camps with their respective coaches ahead of the global event. The move follows repeated calls from senior athletes for improved relay structures and more consistent preparation.

Sprinter Akani Simbine, a key figure in SA’s relay success, has often spoken about the potential within the relay squads. He believes that regular training camps could unlock stronger performances.

“There is so much potential in the relay teams, and with more investment and training camps, athletes will grow in confidence, both within the team environment and in their individual events,” he told SABC Sport.

World and Olympic 400m record holder Wayde van Niekerk, who helped secure bronze in the men’s 4x400m at the World Championships in Tokyo last year, reiterated his ongoing commitment to the relay setup despite stepping away from competing individually over 400m.

“I am not saying SA is relaying just to win a medal, but investment in the relay teams will bring success,” he said. “The future is bright; we have young athletes coming through and a strong culture is developing. The more the investment, the better the results.”

Sprinter Gift Leotlela, who missed the Tokyo World Championships due to injury, said he is focused on earning his place back in the 4x100m team and helping SA chase more silverware.

Leotlela joins a strong sprint relay group featuring:

• Akani Simbine
• Karabo Letebele, who recently secured a bursary to study in the United States
• Bayanda Walaza, returning from injury
• Shaun Maswanganyi
• Tsebo Matsoso
• Retshidisitswe Mulenga
• Abduraghmaan Karriem

SA’s silver medal in the men’s 4x100m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has significantly boosted confidence and transformed the relay culture, with high expectations ahead of the Gaborone championships.

With medals, depth, and renewed investment, South Africa enters the 2026 relay season with growing momentum. The training‑camp approach marks a strategic shift aimed at ensuring stability, teamwork, and peak performance at major championships.

The final team for the World Relay Championships will be selected following the preparation phase.

–SABCSport/ChannelAfrica–