Bayanda Walaza disappointed about Akani Simbine’s absence from the National Championships
24th April 2025
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World Under-20 100m and 200m champion Bayanda Walaza has expressed his disappointment over the absence of his idol, Akani Simbine, at the National Championships.
The 19-year-old, who cruised to a 10.18-second win in his heat at the Puk McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom on Thursday, said it was heartbreaking not to compete against the South African record holder and multiple national champion.
Simbine opted to skip the event to focus on Saturday’s Diamond League meeting in China.
Walaza has already clocked a blistering 9.99 seconds this season to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo later this year.
He had been looking forward to going head-to-head with one of his biggest inspirations.
"I felt like he could've come, because we truly wanted to race against him. Even though we could win, it won't feel the same without him. You can't be the South African champion, but he's not here.
"The goal is to beat the best, you have to beat the best to be the best, so for him not to be here is frustrating, but we understand how the sport works," said the young sprinter.
The former Hazeldean High School student faced off against Akani Simbine in KwaZulu-Natal last year at just 18 years old.
He says the experience taught him a lot, as he was eager to measure his progress against one of South Africa’s best sprinters.
"I think it was an emotional race for me last year. Being a junior, competing against the seniors made me see that in this sport, there is no age limit. Age is just a number.
"I think if Akani Simbine were here, it could have shaped me for the future, and I could've measured myself against the very best," said an unsatisfied Walaza.
The Tshwane University of Technology student was, however, pleased with his heat victory but chose not to reveal too much, with the semi-finals and final still to come at 5 pm.
He is widely expected to make history as the youngest athlete to claim a national title.
The Olympic silver medallist told SABC Sport that both he and his coach, Thabo Matebedi, are determined to secure the championship and earn the bragging rights that come with it.
Although Akani Simbine is absent, the race for the 100m title in tonight’s final remains intense, with experienced sprinters like former 100m champion Gift Leotlela and former 200m champion Clarence Munyai set to challenge Bayanda Walaza for the crown.
