Simbine, Sekgodiso, and Nene Lead South African Charge at Rabat Diamond League

Posted : 27 May 2025

South African athletes delivered strong performances at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat, Morocco, with sprinters Akani Simbine and Zakithi Nene, along with middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso, standing out. Simbine extended his unbeaten streak this season in the men’s 100m, winning the race in 9.95 seconds—his third Diamond League victory of the year.

Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala followed in second with 10.05, while American Fred Kerley finished third in 10.07. Shaun Maswanganyi also represented South Africa in the 100m, taking sixth place in a season-best time of 10.19 seconds.

In the men’s 400m, Zakithi Nene put up a valiant effort to claim second place in 44.46 seconds after being overtaken in the final stretch by Jacory Patterson of the United States, who won in 44.37. Olympic champion Quincy Hall secured third in 44.90.

South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk and Benji Richardson competed in the 200m, finishing fifth and seventh respectively, as Courtney Lindsey led a dominant American display by winning in 20.04 seconds.

World indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso impressed in the women’s 800m race, finishing second with a season’s best of 1:57.52. She was narrowly beaten by Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, who matched her time in a thrilling finish.

The women’s race was highly competitive, with the top four separated by just 0.39 seconds and nine athletes clocking under 1:59. In the women’s 400m hurdles, Zeney Geldenhuys placed fifth in 55.37 seconds, and Rogail Joseph took ninth. Dutch world champion Femke Bol won the event in a record-setting 52.46.

Elsewhere, Jo-Ane du Plessis threw 59.25m to finish fifth in the javelin, while Elina Tzengko of Greece claimed victory with a 64.60m mark. In the men’s 1,500m, Tshepo Tshite ended 15th in 3:36.22, with Jonah Koech of the USA surprising the field by winning in a record 3:31.43.

Athletics South Africa President James Moloi praised the athletes for their determination and performance, highlighting Simbine’s consistent sub-10 form and urging others still seeking qualification for the world championships in Tokyo to stay focused. He also extended best wishes to those heading to Kenya’s Kip Keino Classic.

Simbine, Sekgodiso, and Nene Lead South African Charge at Rabat Diamond League

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