Bayanda Walaza chooses University of Pretoria over the USA

The 19-year-old, who made history by winning both the 100m and 200m events at the recent World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru, is currently a Grade 12 learner at Curro Hazeldean High School in Tshwane.

He has chosen to remain under the guidance of his coach, Thabo Matibedi, who coaches both at the high school and Tuks University.

"That's all been discussed and he's going to TUKS the further he studies, he must. We wanna make sure that he's not just an athlete he needs to qualify himself so that when he stops running, he must have a career, that's important to us. There's more to life than just sports, for us that's more of a bigger picture," Le Roux said.

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Curro and Coach Matibedi have established a strong relationship with the University of Pretoria, with the intention of continuing to develop and supply athletes to the university. Even after Bayanda completes his high school education, Curro will remain connected with him and provide ongoing support to meet his needs.

"There's no doubt about that one as a matter of fact Coach T who's his coach now coaches in the late afternoons at TUKS as well now, the senior athletes, he will be coaching them and Bayanda is gonna stay on with him,” he added.

“That's the whole plan, our own sprinters once they finish at school will continue but they will stay with Coach T to keep that relationship going. I think that's one of the things that is lacking, our kids finish school, what happens then? We wanna put something in place that takes them further."