NWU athletic stars named in TeamSA Squad for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

by Steve Maphakathe

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) officially unveiled its final TeamSA squad and competition kit for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at the Olympic House in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 24 June.

The announcement marked a significant step forward in the country’s preparations for the multi-sport event, scheduled to take place in Scotland from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

Among the 112-strong national contingent, several North-West University (NWU) athletes were selected to don the green and gold alongside headline acts like Chad le Clos and Bongiwe Msomi.

They will compete across a range of disciplines, with TeamSA fielding athletes in athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para-track cycling, netball, weightlifting and para-track cycling, boxing, judo, bowls and para-bowls, 3 x 3 basketball, and 3 x 3 wheelchair basketball.

NWU athletes and events

Franco le Roux – 110 m hurdles
Bradlely Nkoana – 4 x 100 m
Rogail Joseph – 400 m hurdles
Liezel Gouws – 100 m, 200 m and long jump (para-athletics)
Ethan Olivier – triple jump

Franco le Roux also modelled for the competition kit.

NWU management and coaching staff

Tracey Olivier, athletics manager on the Potchefstroom Campus
Shaun Bownes, hurdles and sprint coach

Ethan Olivier, the NWU’s triple jump specialist, also received a call-up to represent New Zealand in athletics. The selection of these student-athletes once again proves that the NWU is a factory of champions, producing athletes who consistently compete at the highest level of international competition.

SASCOC chief executive officer Nozipho Jafta delivered the official welcome address. “In just 28 days, Team South Africa will proudly march into the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, carrying the hopes and aspirations of our nation. Returning to Glasgow makes this journey even more special, as we prepare to display South Africa, talent, and pride on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages,” she said.

“Our team brings together experienced athletes who understand what it takes to succeed on the international stage, alongside exciting young talent representing the future of South African sport. This blend of experience and potential gives us great confidence that team South Africa will compete with distinction and make the nation proud,” Nozipho added.

SASCOC president Barry Hendricks urged the athletes to embrace the moment and represent the country with pride. “Support one another, build lifelong friendships, and cherish every moment of this remarkable journey. As you head to Glasgow, continue South Africa’s proud tradition of excellence at the Commonwealth Games. Your nation believes in you, and we look forward to supporting and celebrating your achievements.”

Tracey Olivier offered a message of support to the NWU athletes. “Congratulations to our athletes. Being selected to TeamSA is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence,” she said.

“Representing both your country and the NWU is a remarkable honour. We are immensely proud of your achievement and have every confidence that you will make us proud. The entire NWU community stands behind you and will be cheering you on every step of the way.”

Watch TeamSA modelling the competition kit.