ASA boss James Moloi optimistic about Team SA’s chances in Budapest

“The cutoff date for the qualifying period has passed, and in the upcoming week, we will officially unveil the final team,” shared ASA president James Moloi. 

The Championships, which take place from August 19 to 25, in Budapest, Hungary, are generating much excitement, with Team SA leaving five days before the competition begins.

While South Africa faced the disappointment of not medaling in the last two world championships in Doha in 2019 and Oregon in 2021, there is a prevailing sense of optimism this time around, emanating from Moloi and the members of the ASA board.

“We have full confidence in our selection, as we are assembling a formidable squad capable of ending our medal drought.

Our athletes have ventured to various corners of the globe, diligently preparing and striving to qualify for the world championships.

Both the federation and the athletes stand united and ready to proudly represent the South African flag,” Moloi enthusiastically told SABC Sport.

2016 Olympic champion and 400m record holder Wayde van Niekerk, and Akani Simbine, who holds a remarkable personal best of 9.84 seconds in the 100m are among the top medal prospects for SA. 

As are talented athletes Tshepo Tshite, Ryan Mphahlele, Zeney van der Walt, Prudence Sekgodiso, Adriaan Wildshutt, and Shaun Maswanganyi, whose presence promises to bolster Team SA’s chances and add excitement to the upcoming World Championships.

“We eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the final team. The 2023 team fills me with excitement, and I am impatient to witness the brilliance they shall display on the global stage. 

Our dedication to preparing the athletes has been unwavering, with a series of Grand Prix races held locally, and the privilege of hosting the national championships.

The performances witnessed have been short of spectacular, and our readiness to compete against some of the world’s finest athletes is unwavering.”