UJ Athletics soar at USSA championships, bringing home 20 medals

Athletics Gauteng University of Johannesburg April 10, 2024 News desk

The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Athletics Club performed impressively at the 2024 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Track and Field Championships, which took place...

The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Athletics Club performed impressively at the 2024 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Track and Field Championships, which took place from 4 to 6 April 2024 at Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch. Despite strong winds and injury challenges, UJ athletes secured a remarkable 20 medals, showcasing their determination and talent.

Joviale Mbisha, Phemelo Ntoe, Khunedi Mashishi, Enoch Bokaba, Nkosinathi Sibiya, Naeem Razak, and Sabelo Dhlamini won gold medals for the Orange Army (UJ).

UJ’s combined team secured a well-deserved third place finish with 256 points. The men’s and women’s teams finished strongly, ranking second with 131 and 125 points in their respective categories.

On the competition’s opening day (4 April 2024), the UJ student-athletes got off to a great start, with Bokaba and Mashishi winning the first two gold medals for Team UJ in the men’s and women’s 3000m steeplechase. Katlego Madiope and Prince Madume made UJ a strong contender, adding silver and bronze medals in the men’s event.

UJ’s golden performers:

Event	Athlete(s)	Time / Distance
Women’s Senior 100m	Joviale Mbisha	11.70sec
Men’s Senior 10km (10,000m)	Phemelo Ntoe	29:50.01
Women’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase	Khunedi Mashishi	10:58.53
Men’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase	Enoch Bokaba	09:07.92
Men’s Senior 110m Hurdles	Naeem Razak	14.64
Mixed 4x100m Relay	UJ A’s Bophelo Seoe, Kayla la Grange, Rorisang Padi, Joviale Mbisha	0:46.42
Men’s Senior 5000m	Nkosinathi Sibiya	13:14.08
Men’s Senior 400m Hurdles	Sabelo Dhlamini	50.52

UJ’s silver medalists:

Event	Athlete(s)	Time / Distance
Men’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase	Katlego Madiope	09:12.09
Mixed 4x400m Relay	Sabelo Dhlamini, Precious Molepo, Nhlanhla Maseko, & Akonyi Ngongo	03:29.54
Women’s Senior 200m	Joviale Mbisha	24.31

Kayla la Grange runs the Women’s 4x400m relay – Photo-USSA

UJ’s bronze medalists:

Event	Athlete(s)	Time / Distance
Women’s Senior 10km (10,000m)	Sisanda Dumisa	36:03.91
Men’s Senior 3000m SteepleChase	Prince Madume	09:17.23
Men’s Senior 1500m	Nkosinathi Sibiya	03:50.56
Women’s Senior Triple Jump	Mahlatse Dombeni	11.98m
Men’s Senior High Jump	Tshwanelo Aabobe	2.05m
Women’s Senior 4x400m Relay	UJ’s Relay Team A	03:47.87
Women’s Senior High Jump	Martha Nkosi	1.65m
Men’s Senior Triple Jump	Tshwanelo Aabobe	15.72m
Women’s Senior 100m	Kayla La Grange	11.97

Coach Roger Haitengi praised the team’s unwavering spirit. He acknowledged the impact of injuries but commended the athletes’ fighting spirit and highlighted the achievements of both the men’s and women’s teams. “I’m super proud of the team. Unfortunately, we were battling injuries with about eight students, and as a result, we lost several points.

“Nevertheless, the students fought very well for the university. We went into the championship with the right mindset, aiming to defend our 2023 title. We finished in third place, and that’s still commendable. The fact that both our male and female groups finished in second places speaks volumes,” says Haitengi.

UJ Sportswoman of the Year shines:

Living up to expectations, UJ’s 2023 Sportswoman of the Year, Joviale Mbisha, secured a commendable four medals. Mbisha’s performance included a gold in the 100m individual race and another in the 4x400m relay alongside teammates Bophelo Seoe, Kayla la Grange, and Rorisang Padi.

UJ Women’s Senior 4x100m Relay Team – Bophelo Seoe, Kayla la Grange, Rorisang Padi, and Joviale Mbisha

“I feel ecstatic; it’s been a long time coming. I trained well and also prepared as a group. I’m mentally stronger now, and I believe in myself and my hard work, accept that I’m here to compete for the top prizes. So, I’m really happy with the outcomes,” exclaimed the ecstatic Mbisha after winning four medals in the competition.