Athletics Gauteng North promises an exciting Grand Prix leg in Tshwane

Athletics South Africa (ASA) has arranged three Grand Prix Continental Tour, Challenger events to aid their qualification efforts.

The first leg recently took place in Potchefstroom.

Now, attention turns to Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), set to host the second leg at the University of Pretoria on Monday, running from 6 pm to 8 pm.

AGN President Hendrick Mokganyetsi urges athletes to capitalize on the Grand Prix series in Tshwane to solidify their qualifying positions.  

READ: I will tell Shandre Campbell the truth – Gavin Hunt

Notable competitors like Akani Simbine, Sokwakhana Zazini, Kyle Blignaut, Zeney Van der Walt, and Prudence Sekgodiso, among others, will be joined by athletes from other regions all aiming to improve their times.

Mokganyetsi, who doubles as the ASA Athletes Chairperson and the position of AGN boss, competed for South Africa in the 400m events at the Olympic Games on three occasions.

“We’re creating the opportunity for our athletes to secure qualification for the Olympic Games through either automatic qualification or the ranking points system. AGN will host this much-anticipated event on Monday and another one will be held at the University of Johannesburg on 27 March. The athletes are ready to showcase their utmost performance,” said Mokganyetsi during his interview with SABC Sport.

Viwe Jingi, Benjamin Richardson, and Bradley Nkoana, youthful talent, showcased their skills as they competed in the first Grand Prix event in Potchefstroom earlier in the week.

Mokganyetsi added that the focus is on the relays ahead of the world championships set to be held in the Bahamas from 3-4 May.

It is also an opportunity for junior and senior athletes to showcase their talent in front of a packed crowd before the Junior National Championships set to be held in Tshwane and the Senior Track and Field Championships set for Pietermaritzburg in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province next month.