Bayanda Walaza opens up about finding strength and inspiration in Ferdinand Omanyala as he chases his sprinting dreams.
Double world under-20 champion Bayanda Walaza has picked Ferdinand Omanyala as one of the sprinters who motivate him, aside from world indoor 60m bronze medallist Akani Simbine.
The South African youngster has been making waves in the world of sprinting since last season and has extended a hand of gratitude to his mentors for making everything happen.
At the 2024 World Under-20 Championships, Bayanda Walaza was on fire as he claimed titles in the 100m and 200m, just fresh from competing in the men’s 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympic Games, where Team South Africa won a silver medal.
Nigeria Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has opened up on what has impressed him about Harambee Stars while giving Rising Stars tips on how to improve.
He has also started his 2025 season on a high, and even set a world leading time of 9.99 seconds at the AGN U16, U18, U20, and Seniors Track & Field Championship before it was obliterated by Akani Simbine who clocked 9.90 seconds at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.
Bayanda Walaza on looking up to Ferdinand Omanyala
Bayanda Walaza
Bayanda Walaza revealed that there is a lot to learn from the senior sprinters and specifically pointed out Ferdinand Omanyala as one of the sprinters he has learnt a lot from.
He revealed that during the times he travels to South Africa for competitions, they get to interact, and from that, he gets to gain a lot of knowledge on becoming a better athlete and winning formulas.
)
Gor Mahia utilized their lack of a fixture this weekend with an in-house clash following their postponed Mashemeji Derby.
“It has to be Omanyala because most of the time he usually comes to South Africa and competes in a few races there,” Bayanda Walaza said in an interview with The Inside Lane.
“So, most of the time, I get to be close to him, I usually try by all means to get whatever secrets that he has to also build who I am.”
Now, as he looks to continue making a name for himself on the global stage, Bayanda Walaza will continue learning from the best, including African sprint kings Ferdinand Omanyala and Akani Simbine.
)
An African giant is likely to miss out on South African attacker Percy Tau, who they have been interested in, because of one major reason.
The fruits of his attentive nature and willingness are already being seen with his recent dominant performance being displayed at the World Athletics Relays where Team South Africa won the gold medal in the men’s 4x100m relay.
