South Africa’s Sprint Star Walaza Poised to Shake Up Kip Keino Classic

Bayanda Walaza fourth from left , Image: AFP / Getty Images, courtesy of World Athletics

South Africa’s sprint sensation, Bayanda Walaza, is ready to make a bold statement ahead of his highly anticipated showdown with Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, at the Kip Keino Classic this Saturday.

The 19-year-old double World Under-20 champion heads into the event brimming with confidence, fully aware that this race could be a defining moment in his career. While he holds deep admiration for Omanyala, Walaza is not stepping onto the track to play second fiddle.

“I’ve got huge respect for Omanyala—he’s a beast and a crowd legend,” Walaza told Kip Keino organisers. “But I don’t line up to come second. I trust my training, my team, and my God-given talent. If I execute my race, anything is possible.”

Walaza’s rise to sprinting stardom began at the 2024 World U-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, where he clinched both the 100m and 200m titles, clocking 10.19 and 20.52 respectively. His winning streak continued at the Paris Olympics, where he anchored South Africa’s record-breaking 4x100m relay team to an African record of 37.57, earning silver behind Canada.

This season, Walaza has made his presence felt, securing gold in the 4x100m at the World Relay Championships in Guangzhou alongside teammates Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and veteran Akani Simbine. But it was his recent performance at the Boris Hanzeković Memorial in Zagreb that truly shook the athletics world—his blistering 9.94 victory cementing his place among sprinting’s elite.

Omanyala, on the other hand, is still searching for his first sub-10 performance of the year, his season-best of 10.00 set at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

As Walaza gears up for his Kip Keino Classic debut, he’s eager to soak in the electrifying Nairobi atmosphere. “I’ve been watching this meet for years, and now I finally get to be part of it,” he said. “The energy is next level, and I can’t wait to experience that vibe.”

With his fearless mindset and hunger for success, Walaza is set to deliver a thrilling performance. Whether he crosses the line ahead of Omanyala remains to be seen, but one thing is certain he’s here to race, not to follow.