Team SA make African Athletics Championships history in Zambia

Team SA finished top of the medal table with 66 medals, collecting 33 gold, 19 silver, and 14 bronze to become the most successful team in the Championships' history.

Athletics South Africa president James Moloi, who accompanied the team to Zambia, believes the future of the sport is in good hands.

"These young boys and girls made us proud. This is a big achievement, and the team exceeded all expectations. The future of the sport looks bright, and there is a succession plan," Moloi told SABC Sport.

"We saw the new Akani Simbine, Wayde van Niekerk, and Caster Semenya. We did well in the field events and dominated the championships on the track.

Wenich van Rensburg and Anje Nel won gold in the women’s and men’s 400m hurdles in the under-20 age group, while Tumi Ramokgopa took home gold in the U-18 women's 400m and 100m hurdles.

Ashley Erasmus claimed two golds in the women's U20 discus and shot-put, with Alicia Khunou doing the same in the women's U18 shot-put and discus.

Moloi and the victorious Team SA will touch down at the OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday at 15h00, and the president has called for a hero’s welcome.

"The team did everything we asked of them, and we hope the South African public will roll out the red carpet for them," he added.

"Their performances will give us hope ahead of the World Championships in Budapest later this year and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris next year."

Moloi further pleaded with the athletes' parents to work with the federation in caring for the youngsters, as they look to progress to the senior stage.

"We should invest more in the sport and attract sponsors to assist us with the preparations. We have to take care of the future champions, and we cannot do this without the help of the parents and the coaches.

"They are still young and need our guidance to stay grounded and focus on their events. We will create a system to help them prepare for the upcoming championships," concluded Moloi.