'I'm proud of the guys' - UJ wins USSA title

After losing out to bitter rivals the University of Pretoria when the championships were held in Stellenbosch last year, the University of Johannesburg athletics team lifted the trophy they last won in 2023 when they won the University Sports South Africa Track and Field team championships this weekend. Taking place at the Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria from 1-3 May and hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa’s premier varsity track and field competition brought together institutions of higher learning from around the country as athletes competed for their badge.

Haitengi (bottom, front and centre) celebrates with his USSA winning UJ team. Photo Credit: USSA Media.

With terrific performances from athletes like Precious Molepo, Nolwazi Mashaba and Phemelo Ntoe and their dominance in the jumps, the distance events and the women's sprint events the Orange Army amassed a total of 322 points to beat the Tuks (278) and the North West University (276). Heading up UJ Athletics is African Championships triple jump bronze medalist Roger Haitengi who says he is still overwhelmed by just how dominant his team was over the three days of competition.

"I'm still excited!" The guys are really pulled off a stunner. They executed well from the 10 000m men all the way to the 4x400m which was the last event. We had success in the triple jump and won the ladies long jump, while our 200m ladies came through strongly as well. I didn’t expect the gap to be this big, but it shows that we have good healthy depth in the club and the university with all the talented athletes. I'm really proud of the guys.”

Ntoe leads Prince Madume and Boikanyo Motlhamme as they swept the men's 5000m podium. Photo Credit: USSA Media.

Pride was the overriding emotion for many of the athletes as well. Ntoe who trains under Hendrick Ramaala at Zoo Lake alongside multiple national champions Maxime Chaumeton and Precious Mashele, was unstoppable in the distance events. He ran 1:06:55 the half marathon event which was incorporated into the Miway Wally Hayward Marathon and then grabbed the silver medal in the 5000m as UJ swept the podium. Ntoe says what gives him the most satisfaction is that he is now likely to be selected to represent the country at his maiden World University Games taking place in Germany from 16-27 July.

The final team that will represent South Africa at the World University Games in Germany in July. Photo Credit: USSA Media.

“I’m very proud of myself. I’ve been working hard for this moment. Especially to win over 21km since I’m still quite new to the 21km distance. So to come here and run 66:55 is a blessing for me. I’d like to thank my training partners at Zoo Lake as well as coach Ramaala. They played a huge role in me running well today and now I look forward to representing South Africa at the World University Games for the first time.”