South African sprinters Bayanda Walaza and Sinesipho Dambile have arrived in Kingston with a mission—not just to compete, but to learn and elevate. Speaking at a pre-meet media session ahead of Saturday’s Racers Grand Prix, the duo expressed admiration for Jamaica’s sprint legacy and a desire to tap into the island’s storied speed culture.

“For me, being here is a quest of learning,” said Walaza. “They say Jamaica is a place of strength, and I believe that. Being here is going to help me become the best sprinter I want to be.”

Walaza, 19, already earning a reputation for his fearless attitude and rising results, has quickly become one of South Africa’s most exciting prospects. He stunned track fans earlier this season when he ran 9.94 seconds in the 100m, a time that instantly turned heads and signalled his arrival on the global stage.

“That 9.94 really put me on the map,” Walaza said. “It wasn’t even the time I was expecting. My whole team thought I’d maybe run 9.98, but I surprised myself. Now every morning I wake up and remind myself: 'You ran 9.94.' It gives me belief that I belong and that I can be competitive.”

Despite the confidence boost, he is refreshingly honest about the emotional rollercoaster of international competition.

“As a young athlete, I do have fears—racing against big names like Kishane Thompson, for example. But I know I have to face that. That fear is something I need to go through, and it will make me stronger,” he admitted. “You don’t need to be scared. You just need to look at yourself the way you see them—and believe you can be better.”

Though talk of records and fast times follows him, Dambile says he's not focused on chasing specific marks just yet.

“I believe in timing and execution. I don’t want to lose the fun of the sport by obsessing over times. If you start chasing numbers too early, you forget what makes this beautiful.”

Walaza, meanwhile, is gaining attention not only for his speed but for his late-race surge and unconventional running style—something both he and his coach have come to embrace.

“In training, I try by all means to make sure my form is proper,” he explained. “But my coach says he doesn’t trust what he sees in training. He knows that when I’m in a race, I’ll just find a way to survive.”

Walaza likened it to instinct. “It’s like someone who can’t swim being thrown into a pool. You’ll find a way out. It might not be perfect, but you’ll survive. That’s me in a race—I’ll find a way.”

Both athletes are part of a new wave of South African sprint talent following in the footsteps of stars like Wayde van Niekerk and Zakithi Nene.

Asked what’s behind the resurgence, Dambile pointed to improved infrastructure and coaching. “The talent has always been there. But now we’re working with coaches who truly understand what it takes to compete at this level. That’s why you’re seeing us break through.”

As they prepare to face a stacked field at the National Stadium, Walaza and Dambile are not only representing their country—they're also showing what happens when fear is confronted, not avoided.

“Fear doesn’t have to stop you,” Walaza said. “It’s what pushes you to grow.”