The race also saw strong performances from South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile and Omanyala’s compatriot Mark Odhiambo. Dambile clocked 10.30 seconds for fourth place, while Odhiambo matched the time
Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, secured his first global win of the 2025 season in a stunning 100m victory at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix II in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The 29 year old Kenyan sprinter, who holds the African 100m record, crossed the finish line in 10.08 seconds, leaving South Africa’s Tsebo Matsoso and Bradley Nkoana in his wake. Matsoso finished second with a time of 10.12 seconds, while Nkoana, the world U-20 medalist, took third in 10.16 seconds.
The race also saw strong performances from South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile and Omanyala’s compatriot Mark Odhiambo. Dambile clocked 10.30 seconds for fourth place, while Odhiambo matched the time for fifth.
Omanyala’s victory in Johannesburg marked a much needed comeback after a difficult start to his season. At the ASA Grand Prix I in Pretoria the previous week, he finished third in 10.22 seconds, behind 18-year-old Karabo Letebele and South Africa’s Emile Erasmus. Despite the earlier setback, Omanyala’s performance in Johannesburg demonstrated his resilience and reaffirmed his place among the world’s top sprinters.
Looking ahead, Omanyala will now focus on the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, scheduled for April 12 in Gaborone. This upcoming race will be significant as it marks his return to Botswana, where he famously defeated local hero and 200m Olympic champion, Letsile Tebogo, in 2023 with a blistering time of 9.78 seconds.
Omanyala’s victory in Johannesburg sets a positive tone for the rest of his season, as he prepares for the challenges leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.