USSA News 2025 USSA Track & Field Championship - Day 1 Wrap Walaza, Marais Steal the Spotlight at USSA Champs South Africa’s top student athletes gathered at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria for day 1 of the USSA Track and Field Championships on Thursday. Tshwane University of Technology’s superstar athlete, BayandaWalaza, reigned supreme in the men’s 100m, stopping the clock in a world-class time of 10.00 seconds in his USSA debut. Hot on his trail were UWC’s Kyle Zinn (10.13) and the NWU star, Bradley Nkoana (10.17). Gabriella Marais from the University of Free State caused a major upset when she defeated South Africa’s current 100m champion, Joviale Mbisha (UJ), in the final of the women’s 100m. Mbisha had just been crowned national champion last week in Potchefstroom. In the semi-final, both athletes clocked identical times of 11.48 seconds, setting up a thrilling showdown. Marais clinched gold in the final with a time of 11.51 seconds, edging out Chardoné Smidt (NWU), who took silver in 11.59 seconds. Mbisha, unfortunately, limped off the track and did not finish the race. Off to a dashing start in the preliminary rounds of the 400m and 100m events, the tone was set for outstanding times, suggesting that the new generation of South African athletes will bea force to reckon with when they transition into the senior ranks. The times clocked in the 100m finals is proof that these student-athletes are well on their way. "This is not just a competition. It’s your runway to the global sports arena. USSA Athletics has made a healthy, nurturing environment for our student athletes to transition into big, senior athletes," said USSA President, Mr Jerry Laka. In the women’s half-marathon, University of Pretoria’s international long-distance sensation, Karabo Mailula, ran away with the victory in a notable altitude time of 1:16:08. Phemelo Ntoe from the University of Johannesburg dominated the men’s race, clocking 1:06:55, more than a minute faster than his compatriot, Prince Madume (1:08:03). UJ won the men’s and women’s half-marathon team competition, solidifying their spot as one of the leading long-distance institutions in South Africa. North-West University’s Nehang Khatala and Keanu Domingo were crowned king and queen of their respective 5000m races. Khatala ran 16:41.51 to win her race, and Domingo ran a superb inland time of 13:57. The SA senior Pole Vault champion, Valco Van Wyk, extended his dominance when he launched himself over 5.30m to take the gold medal. His teammate, Charl Greyling, bagged another gold in men’s hammer throw (64.81m), adding to the telly of the team from the North-West. NWU won the gold medal in the mixed 4 x 400m relay in 03:27.93. UJ took the silver medal, and UFS the bronze. The Decathlon and Heptathlon athletes had a full day, and tomorrow we find out who walks away with the titles. Booking their spots in the finals that’s set to take place on day 2, are favourites: Precious Molepo (400m, UJ) Angelique Strydom (400, TUT) Marnus Jonker (400m, NWU) MthiMthimkulu (400m, UFS) Carmie Prinsloo (1500m, UP) Charnè Swart-Du Plessis (1500m, UP) Christopher Swart (1500m, USSA Ind) Luan Munnik (1500m, USSA Ind) Karabo Satekge (Long jump, UJ) Abdud Wyngaard (Long jump, UWC) Follow on the Live action as it unfolds on the USSA social media platforms by using the official hashtag USSAAthleticsChamps Posted by Staff Writer on 02 May, 2025 Source: USSA