Recapping Last Week’s Global Sporting Achievements

Welcome to this week’s round-up, brought to you by ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit!

As a dedicated source that celebrates and recognises the achievements of African athletes on the global stage, we’re excited to present to you the highlights from the past week’s events.

From thrilling competitions to standout performances our digital clubhouse – the Podium Pursuit Fan App – will keep you updated on every stride, jump, and victory.

Grab your seat in the front row and stay connected to all your favorite athletes from Africa, as they pursue greatness.

FIH Nations Cup

South Africa Edges Pakistan for Third Place

South Africa secured a narrow victory over Pakistan to claim third place in the FIH Nations Cup, winning by a single goal. In earlier matches, Pakistan was narrowly defeated by New Zealand in the first semi-final with a score of 2-1. South Africa, the defending champions, faced a similar fate, falling to France in the second semi-final.

Billie Jean King Cup

South Africa Promoted to Group II

After triumphing in the playoffs held in Nairobi, the South African team earned promotion to the Europe/Africa Zone Group II division for the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup season. Mauritius, finishing last in the relegation playoffs, will compete in the Africa Zone Group IV competition in 2025. The remaining ten teams that competed in Nairobi retained their spots in Group III.

Group IV Results

For detailed updates and scores from Group IV, visit our results blog.

Kenyan Olympic Trials

Faith Kipyegon and Emmanual Wanyonyi Impress

At the Kenyan Olympic Trials in Nairobi, multiple world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon and world silver medallist Emmanual Wanyonyi delivered outstanding performances. Kipyegon won the 5000m with a time of 14:46.28 and clinched victory in the 1500m, finishing in 3:53.99, showcasing her readiness for a potential third consecutive gold medal in Paris.

Wanyonyi overcame a fall in his 800m heat, advancing to the final upon appeal. In the final, he dominated from start to finish, recording a time of 1:41.70, placing him third on the world all-time list behind David Rudisha and Wilson Kipketer.

Photo: julie.fust/IG

Ferdinand Omanyala Sets World-Leading Time

Ferdinand Omanyala thrilled the crowd by winning the 100m in a world-leading 9.79 seconds, expressing optimism about performing well in future key races.

Ethiopian Olympic Trials

Yomif Kejelcha Sets World Lead

At the Ethiopian Olympic Trials, Yomif Kejelcha set a world-leading time of 26:31.01 in the 10,000m. Additionally, Biniam Mehari set a World U20 record with a time of 26:37.93, finishing in fourth place.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Uganda and Namibia’s Performances

In their debut appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Uganda secured one victory but did not advance to the Super 8 stage. Similarly, Namibia, with two wins, also did not progress further. South Africa stands as the sole African team to advance to the Super 8 matches.

The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature eight top teams divided into two groups. The action-packed stage kicks off with South Africa facing the USA on June 19 in Antigua.

Super 8 Groups:

• Group A: India, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh
• Group B: USA, England, West Indies, South Africa

Download the app and follow our Match Centre as the tournament progresses.

Eritrea National Road Championships

Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier Retains Title

Photo: @emma_eriphotography

Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier defended his title at the 2024 Eritrea National Road Championships, winning the Elite Men Time Trial (ITT). He completed the 36-kilometer course in 43 minutes 32 seconds and 29 microseconds, averaging 49.6 kilometers per hour. Henok Mulubrhan took the silver medal, while Biniam Girmay secured the bronze.

In the Road Race, Natnael Tesfazion emerged victorious, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination, and earning the title of Eritrean National Champion.  Aklilu Arefayne followed closely, securing second place, while Metkel Eyob claimed the third spot on the podium. Congratulations to all the competitors for their remarkable performances!

Stay tuned for more updates and detailed coverage of these and other sports events in our upcoming editions by downloading the Podium Pursuit App, and join us as we celebrate the ongoing success of African athletes and their profound impact on the global sporting landscape.

Brought to you by

PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage.

It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.

ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes in 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.