THE FUSE

The Simbine Classic Shootout looks to feature strong line-ups from across South Africa and international competitors.

Pretoria, South Africa (05 February 2026) – Get ready, Pretoria! Tomorrow (6 February), Hoërskool Menlopark will host an electrifying showcase of speed as local and international athletes take to the track for the USN Simbine Classic Shootout. Four headline races promise thrills and plenty of fast-paced action.

Here are a few familiar names (and new ones) to keep an eye on.

The spotlight will be on the men’s 1,000m race, where Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela (Olympic and World Championships finalist and African Championships 800m bronze medallist) is expected to set the pace. He’ll face strong competition from fellow Botswana runner Letlhogonolo Mokgethi, who boasts a personal best of 1:45.89 over 800m. But don’t count out the home favourites: Abram Kubjane, James Seeliger, and Niel van der Merwe are all set to shake things up.

The women’s 1,000m field is just as stacked, with Karabo More and Aviwe Hoboloshe leading the pack. Aviwe, who claimed 800m bronze at last year’s national championships, and Karabo, last year’s SA 5km road champion, will be pushed by fierce rivals, including road mile champ Carmie Prinsloo.

Sprint fans won’t want to miss the women’s 150m, featuring young stars Rume Burger and Megan Nieman, both 17, taking on experienced runners like former national 200m champion Banele Shabangu and U23 400m champ Jada van Staden. How amazing is this? Two 17-year-olds going head-to-head with national champions?

The men’s 150m is shaping up to be a nail-biter as well, with University of Pretoria sprinters Lehlogonolo Maseko and Slayden van Staden leading the charge after helping secure gold in last year’s mixed 4x100m relay.

This athletics meet is set to be full of surprises, maybe upsets and plenty of sparks on the track.

Sources: BackTrack Sports

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