UJ’s world-class athletes to proudly carry the South African flag to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Photo: Screenshot
By Khanyisa Khenese
The University of Johannesburg’s world-class athletes, club members, and staff are set to represent South Africa and the university at the prestigious 2026 Commonwealth Games, an elite international athletics event to be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August.
The university delegation will compete across an array of sporting codes, including Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Track Cycling and Para Cycling, Artistic Gymnastics, 3×3 and Wheelchair Basketball, Boxing, Judo, Netball, Weightlifting, Para Powerlifting, as well as Bowls and Para Bowls.
UJ’s representation encompasses both track and field disciplines, integrating experienced veterans with emerging dynamic talent. Furthermore, it will compete on the global stage alongside renowned South African sport icons, such as track star Akani Simbine, legendary swimmer Chad le Clos, as well as Prudence Sekgodiso, Mthi Mthimkhulu, Mvuyo Moss, and Zakithi Nene.
The men’s team comprises distinguished athletes, including the resilient 400m hurdles specialist Sabelo Dhlamini (a member of the UJ club), the swift sprinter Cheswill Johnson (also affiliated with UJ), and Lythe Pillay, a nominee for the World Athletics Athlete of the Month and a current student-athlete. Additionally, the roster features sprinter Mvuyo Moss, club member and alumnus Maxime Chaumeton, along with Aiden Smith, renowned for his achievements in shot put and discus. First-year student Daniel Maclean and esteemed alumna Caitlin Rooskrantz will contribute their precision and elegance to the South African gymnastics team.
Tarle Mathe and Owethu Ngubane have secured positions on the basketball court. A promising para-athlete from Jane Furse in Limpopo, Michelle Moganedi, will join the national squad for wheelchair basketball competitions. At the same time, Yané van der Merwe will represent South Africa in Para Athletics, participating in the Discus F44 classification. Accompanying the team is Bongiwe Msomi, the coach and manager of the UJ Netball Club, who assumes the distinguished role of South Africa’s Chef De Mission for the upcoming Games.
The UJ Manager for Sport for Students with Disabilities Club, Lezanne Bruwer, said the selection to serve on the global stage is a testament to the exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the sport. “This selection to serve on the global stage is a testament to the team’s hard work. We’re proud to have both Michelle and Yané on the team for the second time at the Commonwealth Games. We congratulate them and the rest of the athletes for their selections and wish them the best”, said Bruwer.
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