Yomi Omogbeja (20/07/2004)

The Republic of South Africa has swept the medals table at the 14th African Athletics Championships in the Congolese capital, Brazzaville.

The full strength South African team lead the table throughout the five-day competition, which were held in Massamba Debat Stadium.

South Africa finished as the overall champions having amassed 10 gold, 12 silver and 8 bronze medals. Kenya came a distant second with seven gold, seven silver and five bronze medals, while Nigeria was third with four gold and three silver medals.

South African coach Wilfred Daniels said the result justified the country's decision to field a strong team in Brazzaville.

“Our aim was not just to sharpen up the team for the Olympics.

“We strongly believe that we are first and foremost part of Africa and therefore must give our best to the continent,” he said.

Shock win

In the final event of the championships, an unheralded Zimbabwe team shocked the big guns of African sprinting by winning the men's 4x400m relay in a time of 3:02.38.

Current Olympics silver medallist Nigeria (3:02.66), South Africa (3:03.81) and Kenya (3:04.00) took the second, third and fourth position respectively.

The quartet of Loid Zwasiya, Lewis Banda, Temba Ncube, and Talkmore Nyongani give Zimbabwe their first ever track gold medal in the African Championships.

Nyongani had earlier won an individual bronze medal in the 400metres on Thursday.

“Our goal was to come here and qualify for the Olympics. The gold medal was a bonus. If we make it to Athens we will reinforce our team with Brian Dzingai who was not able to make it to Brazzaville,” said Ncube.