Gift Leotlela Sets His Sights On World Relay Selection As SA Sprint Depth Grows

South African sprinting is entering one of its most competitive eras yet, and Gift Leotlela wants to make sure his name is firmly in the mix.

With the World Relay Senior Championships heading to Gaborone on 2 and 3 May, the national 100m champion has put his hand up for selection and made it clear that he is not just happy to be part of the conversation. He wants to be part of the team.

A Second Chance After Injury Heartbreak

The upcoming championships carry extra meaning for Leotlela. Injury kept him out of South Africa’s last World Relay campaign, denying him a chance to test himself on one of athletics’ biggest relay stages.

Since then, the Tshwane-based sprinter has rebuilt his momentum. His breakthrough came when he reached his first senior 100m final on the world stage, stopping the clock at a blistering 9.95 seconds in Tokyo Olympics. That performance did more than boost his confidence. It announced his arrival among the elite.

The Anchor Is Set, The Rest Is Up For Grabs

Any discussion about South Africa’s 4x100m relay begins with Akani Simbine. The seven-time national 100m champion remains the undisputed anchor, setting the tone for a squad that is suddenly rich in speed and options.

Leotlela has embraced that depth rather than shying away from it. He has pointed to Abdurahman Karim, Karabo Letebele, Emile Erasmus and Tsebo Matsoso as part of a new wave pushing established names to stay sharp.

Among fans and athletics circles on social media, the reaction has been one of excitement rather than anxiety. Many believe this internal competition could be the key to South Africa finally converting relay potential into consistent medals.

Why Sub-10 Is Now The Standard

Under the guidance of his coach Thabo Matebedi, widely known as Coach T, Leotlela claimed his first major senior 100m title in North West in 2025. It was a moment that confirmed his rise was no longer theoretical.

But the bar has been raised. According to Leotlela, anyone dreaming of a relay spot knows the requirement.

Sub-10 second performances are no longer exceptional. They are expected.

Training alongside Bayanda Walaza and Sinesipho Dambile, Leotlela believes that this new reality is forcing South African sprinters to chase excellence rather than selection alone.

A Bigger Picture For South African Sprinting

Beyond relay ambitions, there is a broader belief growing within the camp. South Africa should be targeting medals not just in relays, but in individual sprint events too.

That shift in mindset has resonated with local supporters, many of whom see this generation as the strongest sprint group the country has produced in years. From school tracks to provincial meets, the conversation has changed. Making the team is no longer the finish line.

As the countdown to Gaborone continues, Gift Leotlela’s message is clear. He is healthy, fast, and hungry. In a squad stacked with speed, that might be exactly what South Africa needs.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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