21 Jun WPA names strong squad for ASA Road Championships in Gqeberha
By Adnaan Mohamed
Western Province Athletics (WPA) has unveiled a formidable team for the 2026 ASA 1 Mile, 5km and 21.1km Championships, which will be held at Pollock Beach in Summerstrand, Gqeberha, on Saturday, 27 June.
The championships form part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon and will see some of South Africa’s leading road runners and middle-distance specialists battle for national honours.
WPA’s squad features an impressive blend of emerging talent, seasoned campaigners and decorated masters athletes who earned selection through a demanding qualification process.
Among the standout names are Yanga Malusi, who heads the senior men’s half marathon team after clocking a rapid 67:22, former national cross-country star Riaan Wildschutt in the 5km masters category, and promising junior Beautin van der Westhuizen, who qualified for both the 1 Mile and 5km events.
The province will also rely on experienced campaigners such as Duane Fortuin, Lusindiso Mbuli, Sharon Nel, Linda Kinloch-Smith and Eise Geerts, while a talented group of junior athletes will look to make their mark against the country’s best.
Images: ABPhotoZA
WPA President Farouk Meyer congratulated all selected athletes, describing provincial selection as recognition of months of hard work and commitment.
“Congratulations to every athlete who has earned selection to represent Western Province Athletics. Selection to a provincial team reflects dedication, discipline and consistent performance.”
Meyer urged athletes to embrace the occasion and compete with confidence.
“You have already demonstrated your quality by qualifying for this team. Wear the WPA colours with pride, trust your preparation and make the most of this opportunity. We wish every athlete success as they compete against the best in South Africa.”
He also acknowledged the coaches, clubs, families and volunteers who continue to support athletes throughout the season.
WPA Road Running Chairperson Aubrey Isaacs said the selected team reflects the strength and depth of road running across the province.
“Congratulations to every athlete who has earned the opportunity to represent Western Province Athletics at these championships. Selection to a provincial team is never handed out lightly. It is the result of commitment, consistency and performances delivered when it mattered most.”
Isaacs said WPA had assembled a balanced squad capable of competing across all age groups and distances.
“We have a team that combines exciting young talent with experienced athletes who have repeatedly proven themselves on the national stage. Every athlete has earned their place and we are confident they will represent the province with pride and professionalism.”
He encouraged athletes to embrace the occasion and enjoy the experience.
“National championships are special moments in any athlete’s journey. Trust your preparation, back your ability and compete with courage. Whether you are chasing a medal, a personal best or valuable experience, remember that you carry the support of the entire WPA running community with you. We wish the team safe travels and every success in Gqeberha.”
The 1 Mile squad includes a strong contingent led by Aubrey Kotze, Gawain Jantjies, Siyabonga Centane and Lauren Jonathan, while the 5km team features Rowhaldo Ratz, Abigail Bester and several age-group contenders expected to challenge for podium positions.
The half marathon team boasts strength across multiple age categories, with athletes ranging from senior men to masters competitors aged over 70.
WPA will be managed in Gqeberha by Nazema Abels, Claude Bester, Kevin Peters and Busisiwe Matiwane.
With national titles on the line and provincial pride at stake, the Western Cape contingent will arrive in Nelson Mandela Bay determined to turn months of preparation into championship performances.
WPA Team Managers
- Nazema Abels
- Claude Bester
- Kevin Peters
- Busisiwe Matiwane
Selected WPA Athletes
1 Mile
Senior Men: Aubrey Kotze, Gawain Jantjies, Siyabonga Centane, Markie Munzimba, Linathi Nobatana, Charlton Titus, Keano Qwili, Keaton Lott, Brandon Lewin, Eric Mbali
Junior Men: Beautin van der Westhuizen, Reagan Freeman, Fernando Henkerman, Jesse Simpson, Nahum Swanepoel, Thabo Solani, Joshua Schouw, Joshua Smith, Thurston Seryners
Boys U16: Johnaid George, Luke Rudolph, Caylum Jooste, Hosea Trollip, Devante Jacobs
Senior Women: Lauren Jonathan
Junior Women: Sinoxolo Jijingubo, Indiphile Ntshinga, Jenna Jooste, Siyamthando Dywili, Jayden Jooste
Girls U16: Katie Brink, Ogwaba Paliso
5km
Men: Rowhaldo Ratz, Beautin van der Westhuizen, Thabo Solani, Mivuyo Mpendu, Riaan Wildschutt, Siyabonga Sakwe, Simphiwe Vellem, Gregory Hendricks, Leslie Chivelle, Timothy Pienaar
Women: Abigail Bester, Katie Brink, Yonelisa Siwe, Michelle Minnaar, Nadia Turton, Elme Middlemost, Rolandi Schutte, Hannelie Lotte, Nolene van der Merwe, Emmeranthia Lepati, Marlize Vienings, Sharon Nel, Ester Brink, Olga Howard, Lollos Rodseth, Colleen Muller, Nancy Will
21.1km
Men: Yanga Malusi, Tumelo Mokaotsi, Duane Fortuin, Lusindiso Mbuli, Vakalisa Kopolo, Siyabonga Sakwe, Shawn Abrahams, Peter Jaehne, Eise Geerts
Women: Linda Kinloch-Smith, Sharon Nel, Johanna Thomas, Elmarie Coetzee, Nancy Will
