A strong contingent of athletes from Pretoria Boys High School has earned selection for the upcoming ASA National Championships held in Germiston from 26 – 28 March. This underlines the school’s continued excellence on the track and field of the last couple of years.
For Pretoria Boys High, the event is not new territory, but rather a familiar platform where athletes have consistently delivered strong results over the years. The school built a reputation as one of South Africa’s leading sporting institutions, with athletics forming a key part of its identity. It’s facilities, coaching structures and competitive environment have consistently helped develop athletes who progress to provincial and national representation.
Exceptional athletics season
Boys High had an exceptional 2026 athletics season with record breaking performances at each competition. One of the highlights is their promotion, together with Pretoria High School for Girls, to the Pretoria B-Bond next year. Their combined totals in the C-Bond in February this year, afforded them this privilege.
Strong representation across age groups and events
A total of twelve Boys High athletes have been selected to represent Gauteng North at the national championships, following impressive performances during the qualifying season and provincial championships. They represent both track and field athletes across the various age categories:
Cody Benn – U16 200 m and U16 100 m
Tumisho Mabiletja – U16 200 m and U16 100 m
Ruben Jacobsz – U16 Javelin
Logan de Jager – U16 Shot Put
Kwena Mojapelo – U18 100 m
Bradley Chikane – U18 2000 m Steeplechase
Lunathi Nyama – U18 3000 m
Siyanda Dladla – U18 Long Jump
Jesse Strachan – U18 400 m
Melvin Mashishi – U20 3000 m and U20 5000 m
Reitu Nkwane – U20 3000 m
Tumi Kapu – U20 100 m
Top performers during the season
Two names have consistently stood out during the season: Cody Benn and Melvin Mashishi.
Melvin Mshishi – middle distance king
Melvin is not new to the championships. In the 2025 championships he just missed out on the medals finishing fourth in the U18 3000 m for boys. He had an exceptional season this far, consistently outrunning all of his competitors in his age group in the 3000 m and is a definite contender for the medals this year.
This is his first appearance in this age group at the championships for both the U20 3000 m and U20 5000 m for men. His 3000 m time of 8:21.31 and his 5000 m time of 14:36.80 convert to sea-level times which are close to the qualifying times for World Juniors Championships. According to Mr. Lincoln Keating, school athletics organiser, he has entered the Cape Milers in April to run the time at the coast in a bid to qualify for the World Junior Championships in Oregon in August. Melvin is coached by George Bradley.
Cody Benn – sprinting super star
As a 14 year old, this will be Cody’s first appearance at the age group championships. He is however not new to national representation. At the Sub-youth Championships in 2024, he won gold in the U13 100 m (in 10.98), U13 200 m (in 22.67) and the U13 4×100 m Relay. His time of 22.15 in the 200 m heats was a national best. Cody Benn started training with the Boys High sprints coach, Lynn Bradley, in the second half of last year.
Cody’s name is one to remember and his humility to be noted. His appearance at the Curro Podium Finale earlier this year, placed him seventh in the 100 m and third in the 200 m for U15 boys, but his season best times in both events have since improved dramatically.
Upholding the legacy
The 2026 qualifiers now have the opportunity to add to the Boys High legacy. Competing in Germiston, they will look to build on the achievements of past Boys High athletes and further cement the school’s reputation on the national stage.
With momentum behind them and a proud history to uphold, Pretoria Boys High’s athletes will be aiming not just to compete, but to contend for top honours at the ASA National Championships.
Photos by Lulu’s Sport Pics
