NWU Athletes Join South African Contingent for 2026 African Athletics Championships
- Karen Scheepers
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
North-West University (NWU) has solidified its position as a central hub for athletic talent following the selection of six student-athletes to represent South Africa at the 2026 CAA African Athletics Championships. The event, scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from 12 to 17 May, features a 35-member national squad aiming for continental success. The inclusion of these representatives highlights the university's consistent contribution to the national sporting landscape.
A Diverse Roster of Talent
The selected athletes represent a broad spectrum of track and field disciplines, showcasing the technical depth of the NWU sports program. The university representatives joining Team South Africa include:
Bradley Nkoana
Righardt Stander
Mihlali Xotyeni
Luan Munnik
Valco van Wyk
Rogail Joseph
In addition to the student-athletes, NWU coach Cyril Lawless has been appointed to the national coaching staff. His inclusion provides technical expertise to the South African delegation in Accra, further demonstrating the high-performance environment fostered at the university.
Recent International Milestones
The selection follows several historic performances by NWU-affiliated athletes on the global stage. Bradley Nkoana enters the championships with significant momentum, having recently secured a silver medal at the World Relay Championships as a member of South Africa’s 4x100m relay team.
The university’s influence has also been felt in recent record-breaking feats and qualification milestones:
Viwe Jingqui was a key member of the South African women’s 4x100m relay team that recently established a new national record.
Bradley Maponyane represented the nation in the mixed 4x400m relay team, which successfully secured qualification for the 2027 World Championships.
Balancing Academics and High-Performance Sport
The participation of these athletes in Ghana serves as a testament to their ability to balance rigorous academic requirements with the demands of international competition. Spanning disciplines from sprinting and middle-distance running to technical field events, these students continue to represent the university while pursuing their respective degrees.
As the 2026 CAA African Athletics Championships progress in Accra, the performances of these six individuals remain a point of focus for the national team. Their presence on the continental stage reinforces South Africa's athletic depth and the university's role in developing talent capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport.
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