Thursday, 19 March 2026
For Immediate Release
KZNA Provincial Championships Set to Ignite Kings Park Athletic Stadium with Elite Talent, TVET Integration and Performance Incentives
Durban, South Africa — KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) is set to deliver a high-performance and strategically significant weekend of athletics as it hosts the Provincial Senior & Masters Track and Field Championships incorporating TVET Colleges on 20–21 March 2026 at the Kings Park Athletic Stadium in Durban.
This year’s championships go beyond competition — they represent a convergence of elite performance, athlete development and structured pathways, strengthened by the formal incorporation of KZN TVET Colleges. This integration continues to expand access to competitive athletics while aligning education and sport within the province.
The event is proudly delivered in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZN DSAC), eThekwini Municipality, College Sports, Arts and Culture South Africa (CoSACSA) and supported by valued sponsors such as aQuellé, Hyundai Durban Central and MILO whose contributions and support continue to elevate the standard and visibility of athletics in KwaZulu-Natal.
Elite Athletes Headline the Championships
The 2026 edition will feature a strong line-up of athletes who have delivered standout performances on the national stage, adding significant weight and anticipation to the competition.
Among those expected to compete is Prudence Sekgodiso, a double ASA Senior Women Champion in the 800m and 1500m, bringing dominance and depth to the middle-distance events. She is joined by Sihle Mgobhozi, an ASA Senior Men Championships bronze medallist in the 800m, who continues to establish himself as a formidable competitor.
Race walking will be strengthened by the presence of Philasande Mlambo, an ASA Senior Championships bronze medallist in the 20km walk and current Provincial 10km record holder, while distance running will feature Cwenga Nose, an ASA 10,000m Championships silver medallist, adding endurance and tactical strength to the programme.
Adding further quality to the championships are athletes such as Tayla Kavanagh, the South African National 10km Champion, who comes into the championships in top form after a breakthrough 2025 season. She claimed national gold and recorded a personal best of 31:41 according to World Athletics, placing her among the fastest South African women in history and firmly establishing herself as one of the country’s leading distance runners.
Sprint events will be headlined by Sibongakonke Makhaza, a double silver medalist at the 2025 U18–U20 African Athletics Championships reinforcing the province’s sprint depth.
In the middle-distance ranks, Johannes Morepe, a former South African U18 800m champion, brings valuable experience, while Morné Moolman will contest the demanding decathlon.
Emerging talent will also take centre stage, with Luyanda Magubane (400m) representing the next generation of KwaZulu-Natal athletics.
Magubane, a sub-46 second 400m athlete, has already proven his competitiveness at senior level, finishing 7th in the 400m final at the ASA Senior Championships and clocking a personal best of 45.89. His ability to compete in high-pressure national finals at a young age highlights his progression and positions him as one of the province’s most promising quarter-milers heading into the championships.
Finals to Watch
Spectators can look forward to some of the most exciting races on the programme, with particular anticipation around the Men’s Senior 200m Final, expected to deliver explosive sprinting performances, and the Women’s Senior 1500m Final, where tactical racing and endurance will be on full display.
Notable Absences
KwaZulu-Natal will be without two of its prominent athletes at this year’s championships. Zakithi Nene, a decorated 400m athlete, is currently managing a return from injury and will not be in competition.
Also absent is Tshepo Tshite, one of South Africa’s leading middle-distance athletes, who has continued to elevate his profile in 2026 with record-breaking performances on the indoor circuit. This includes setting a new South African short track record in the 3000m, alongside consistently fast times across middle-distance events during the European indoor season — reinforcing his status as one of the country’s premier endurance athletes.
KZNA wishes both athletes well in their continued preparation and recovery.
Performance Incentives & Competitive Edge
To further elevate performance standards, KZNA will introduce performance incentives, with the top three athletes who achieve qualifying standards set to be rewarded.
This initiative is aimed at:
• Driving high-performance outcomes
• Aligning provincial competition with national and international benchmarks
• Rewarding athletes who demonstrate competitive excellence.
Access for All – Live Streaming
In line with KZNA’s commitment to accessibility and visibility, the championships will be live streamed on the KZN Athletics YouTube channel, allowing supporters, stakeholders and the broader athletics community to follow all the action in real time.
Leadership Perspective
KZNA President Mr. Steve Mkasi emphasised the importance of the championships: “These championships reflect both the strength and the direction of athletics in KwaZulu-Natal. We are seeing athletes consistently perform at national level, and it is important that we continue to create platforms where that standard is maintained and elevated.
The integration of KZN TVET Colleges and the introduction of performance incentives are deliberate steps towards building a stronger, more competitive and inclusive athletics system in our province.”
A Championship with Purpose
Over two days, athletes will compete across a full programme of track and field events, contesting provincial titles, qualification opportunities and performance benchmarks.
With a compelling blend of national champions, continental medallists, emerging athletes and student competitors, the Kings Park Athletics Stadium is set to deliver a powerful showcase of KwaZulu-Natal’s athletics depth.
KwaZulu-Natal Athletics invites the public, media and athletics community to attend and experience
a weekend of competitive excellence — either in person or via the live stream on the KZN Athletics YouTube channel.
Event Details
Event: KZNA Provincial Senior & Masters Track and Field Championships incorporating TVET Colleges
Dates: 20–21 March 2026
Venue: Kings Park Athletic Stadium, Durban
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA)
Media Enquiries: Nomandla Mabaso | Marketing Officer
Email: marketing@kznathletics.co.za
Contact number: 031 312 9374
Download document; Media Release – KZNA Provincial Senior & Masters Incorporating TVET Colleges Track and Field Championship