Just two athletes based in KwaZulu-Natal have been selected for the 76-strong “ASA Preparation Squad” for major events taking place next year.
Marathon runner Siboniso Sikhakhane and 400m specialist Zakhiti Nene will represent the province in the Gauteng-dominated squad.
The chosen athletes and their coaches will be invited to attend a special meeting in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, on January 22 to gain a better understanding of ASA’s plans for the 2022 season, which will be highlighted by the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
The squad includes former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya, who still has a legal battle against World Athletics, javelin star Sunette Viljoen, who recently joined the Northerns cricket team, and promising youngsters.
Other “leading lights” include sprinters Akani Simbine and Wayde van Niekerk, long jumper Ruswahl Samaai and marathoners Stephen Mokoka and Edward Mothibi.
