Final charge for SA athletes

Triple jumper Khotso Mokoena, 400m hurdler Cornel Fredericks and javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen are among 12 South Africans competing at the quadrennial team event on Saturday and Sunday.

Mokoena, who lifted this season’s Diamond League crown in the long jump, and Fredericks, will look to add more titles to their 2014 season hauls, after securing double gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the African Championships in Marrakech last month.

Viljoen, who earned silver at the previous edition of the Continental Cup in Split, Croatia, said she was aiming for another fine showing after bagging her fourth continental title and her third straight Commonwealth medal.

“I am extremely pleased with my season this year,” Viljoen said.

“The most important thing for me was to be consistent with my throws and perform well, and I did that. I still want that one huge throw to better my personal best this year, and hope it will still come because I am fighting fit.

“I have ticked off all my goals for the year thus far and I couldn’t be happier.”

African long jump champion Zarck Visser was also eager to cap a solid season, after snatching silver in Glasgow.

“All I have to say is that I’m here to fight for another title,” Visser said.

The SA contingent also includes one-lap sprinter Wayde van Niekerk, the Commonwealth and continental silver medallist, who will compete in his specialist event and the 4x400m relay.

In-form shot putter Orazio Cremona, World Championships discus throw finalist Victor Hogan, and rising hurdles stars Wenda Nel and Rikenette Steenkamp are also in the start lists, while veteran Chris Harmse competes in the hammer throw. Cheyne Rahme is in the pole vault and Ruan de Vries lines up in the 110m hurdles race.

– Sapa