South Africa sensation Walaza threatens to upset formbook at Kip Keino Classic

South Africa’s sprint prodigy and double World Under-20 champion Bayanda Walaza has issued an early statement of intent ahead of his blockbuster clash with Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, at Saturday’s Kip Keino Classic.

The 19-year-old is brimming with confidence ahead of what promises to be the show-stopper event at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

Despite his deep admiration for Omanyala, Walaza has made it clear he’s not coming 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 honestly, I don’t line up to come second. I believe in my training, my team and my God-given talent. I’m here to race fearlessly and have fun. If I execute my race, anything can happen.”

The teenager made headlines at the 2024 World U-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, by claiming both the 100m and 200m titles. In the 100m, he clocked 10.19 ahead of Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (10.22) and compatriot Bradley Nkoana (10.26).

The 200m saw him storm to a 20.52 ahead of Australian teen sprint sensation Gout Gout (20.60) and Great Britain’s Jake Odey-Jordan (20.81).

The teenager also featured in South Africa’s record-breaking 4x100m relay team at the Paris Olympics, anchoring them to an African record of 37.57 for silver behind Canada’s 37.50.

Walaza has featured in a couple of 100m and 2 0 0 m races since the start of 2025. Earlier this month, he joined forces with Sinesipho Dambile, Nkoana and veteran Akani Simbine to clinch gold in the 4x100m at the World Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China.

Their time of 37.61 edged out the USA (37.66) and Canada (38.11). But it was in Zagreb, Croatia, at the Boris Hanzekovi Memorial where Walaza truly sent shockwaves through the sprinting world, clocking 9.94 to win ahead of Germany’s Owen Ansah and Sweden’s Henrik Larsson (both 10.20).

Omanyala, by contrast, is still chasing his first sub-10 performance of the season. The 2022 Commonwealth Games champion’s best so far is 10.00, set at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, where he finished behind Simbine (9.90).

Walaza, who is making his debut at the Kip Keino Classic, is eager to experience the electrifying Nairobi atmosphere.

“I am psyched up! I’ve been watching the Kip Keino Classic for a while, and now I finally get to be part of it,” he said.

“Nairobi’s energy is next level, and I’m just excited to experience that vibe, feel the crowd, and give it my all.” He thrives on the roar of the fans, even when they’re not cheering for him.

“I feed off the noise—even if it’s not for me. It’s all energy, and I turn it into fuel. But when I’m in the blocks, it’s tunnel vision,” he stated.

“I think my start can get sharper, and there’s always work to do on technique and strength.”

“But also, the mental side, learning how to stay locked in no matter what. I’m just staying hungry and focused, one step at a time.”