Bayanda Walaza Aims to Knock off Letsile Tebogo Amid Recent Face Off Against Kishane Thompson

Bayanda Walaza

Bayanda Walaza Aims to Knock off Letsile Tebogo Amid Recent Face Off Against Kishane Thompson

Stephen Awino 21:51 - 08.06.2025

Bayanda Walaza has set his sights on breaking a Letsile Tebogo world record.

South African sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza has set his sights on a lofty goal to break the world junior 100m record of 9.91 seconds set by Botswana's Letsile Tebogo in 2022.

Speaking ahead of a high-profile race against Jamaican stars Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville, Walaza admitted the record is on his radar, but emphasized the importance of patience and timing in achieving such a feat.

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"The times will come with the perfect execution," Walaza said as quoted by Jamaican publication Jamaica Observer.

"I believe that I have the strength and I believe in myself. I think it depends on timing as well. It must not be something that I put in my head because I am still young and it can bring pressure on me."

A Learning Curve on the International Stage

Bayanda Walaza
Bayanda Walaza lined up against Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville.

In the much-anticipated race, Walaza faced some of the fastest men in the world, lining up against Jamaica’s fastest stars.

Thompson stormed to victory with a searing 9.88 seconds, pulling away decisively midway through the race.

Oblique Seville delivered a strong late surge to grab second place with a season-best of 9.97 as Walaza, though showing promise, finished fourth with a time of 10.06 seconds, narrowly beaten by compatriot Gift Leotlela.

Despite the result, the experience was invaluable for Walaza, racing against world-class athletes.

While the race didn’t end with a personal best, Walaza’s long-term ambitions remain intact as he eyes Tebogo's World Record.