TRACK & FIELD: Africa takes centre stage as global athletics comes home

After a busy start to the season, athletics has already made its early statements, from the World Indoor Championships in Toruń to high‑quality Continental Tour action at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi and the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in Gaborone.

That build‑up peaked with a thrilling World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, where African teams delivered standout performances and serious global intent.

Now the focus shifts fully to the continent, as Africa’s best converge on Accra for the CAA African Senior Athletics Championships. Titles, momentum and continental bragging rights are all on the line.

Africa's biggest sports broadcaster SuperSport brings you the action LIVE!

Here's what there is to look forward to:

CAA African Senior Athletics Championships – Accra, Ghana (12–17 May 2026) - SS Variety 3, Africa 1, Maximo 360 (1:55-5pm)

Africa’s premier continental track and field event returns in spectacular fashion as the 24th CAA African Senior Athletics Championships head to Accra, Ghana, from 12–17 May, at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.

It will be the first time Ghana hosts the championships, with all 54 African nations expected to compete in what also doubles as a key pathway to global championships and Olympic qualification.

The Accra edition is shaped as both a continental title battle with intense sprint showdowns, Kenya’s continued distance dominance, and fierce national rivalries involving South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Botswana at the top of the medal table.

<<<<<< Medal winners lead SA charge in Accra >>>>>>

It will be a high‑stakes form test ahead of the World Athletics Championships season. Sprint races, women’s middle‑distance events and the horizontal jumps are expected to headline a packed six‑day programme, with several championship records under threat.

MAJOR STARS TO WATCH

Letsile Tebogo (Botswana – 200m)

Africa’s standout sprint star arrives as one of the championship’s biggest attractions. Already a world and Olympic medalist, Tebogo anchors Botswana’s medal ambitions and sets the benchmark in the men’s 200m, where his raw speed and race execution make him the man to beat.

Akani Simbine (South Africa – 100m)

The continent’s most consistent sprinter over the last decade, Simbine leads a strong South African sprint corps. His start‑to‑finish aggression in the 100m and relay pedigree make him central to South Africa’s medal push.

Tobi Amusan (Nigeria – 100m hurdles)

The world record holder remains Africa’s most dominant hurdler. When healthy, Amusan is virtually untouchable at continental level and will spearhead Nigeria’s challenge across sprints and hurdles.

Beatrice Chebet (Kenya – 5 000m & 10 000m)

Africa’s queen of long distance enters Accra targeting double gold. Already a championship record holder, Chebet’s finishing power and tactical intelligence make her the athlete many will try – and likely fail – to outkick.

Faith Kipyegon (Kenya – middle distance)

Although better known on the global stage, Kipyegon’s anticipated appearance adds enormous prestige. Her presence lifts the women’s 800m and 1500m into must‑watch events whenever she toes the line.

Abdul‑Rasheed Saminu (Ghana – 100m/200m)

The host nation’s sprint hopeful carries local expectations. Saminu has been identified as Ghana’s brightest medal prospect, especially in the short sprints where home support could play a decisive role.