Maiden SA title for Dhlamini while Geldenhuys defends hers on Day 2 of ASA Senior Track & Field Championships

On Day 2 of the Athletics South Africa Track and Field Championship at the McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom, Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) top Runner Sabelo Dhlamini put on a masterclass performance clocking a remarkable personal best time of the 48.57 to clinch the maiden SA 400m hurdles title.

The in-form Dhlamini who narrowly missed out on the title last year to claim silver, stunned a highly competitive field including defending champion Lindokuhle Gora and 2024 World U20 Championships fourth place finisher Njabulo Mbatha. 18-year old Mbatha who grabbed the bronze medal last year, took silver this time around in an excellent 49.28, while Martiens Du Preez earned the bronze medal in 49:55 as the top three all dipped under 50 seconds.

Dhlamini won the gold medal for CGA. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I'm very exhausted and I'm very happy at the same time. I have been putting so many hours in and been chasing this title for the last four years. Tonight we are going to celebrate and obviously in a disciplined way," he smiled.

While pleased with finally winning his first SA title, the 30-year-old University of Johannesburg Masters Graduate from Vosloorus township east of Johannesburg said the job is not done yet. He missed the 48:50 World Championship qualification standard by less than a tenth of a second and will race during the European summer to try and qualify for a maiden World Championships.

"I'm planning to go overseas and I'm certain if I can continue to run these times I'll qualify for World Championship via rankings," said, Dhlamini who trains under the guidance of coach Reneilwe Aphane.

Olympic semi-finalist Geldenhuys defended her title. Photo Credit: Cecilia van Bers.

In the 400m women's hurdles, Commonwealth bronze medalist Zeney Geldenhuys successful defended her title after she accelerated to a fine 55.09. She was given a run for a money by a youngster Tumi Ramakgopa who followed her home in a personal best 55.90. 

"Today was all about defending the title so I'm very happy with the first place. The time I ran is not bad at all. Looking at how I performed, it shows that sub 55 seconds or 54 seconds is coming in each race I'm competing in," she shared.

Meanwhile Olympian Victor Hogan continued his dominance in the discus throw as he produced a heave of 61.10 to win an eleventh SA title.