Sports
SOUTH Africa has unveiled a formidable 36-member squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships scheduled for Lagos.
The squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talents expected to challenge strongly throughout the competition.
The announcement is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Department of the Nigeria Fencing Federation.
The statement outlined South Africa’s preparations and expectations ahead of the championships in Lagos.
Experienced épée fencers Sergey Losevskiy and Alexandra Lancaster will lead the South African contingent.
Both represented South Africa at the 2025 African Fencing Championships held in Lagos.
Losevskiy, who previously represented Russia before switching allegiance to South Africa, has become a key figure in the men’s épée team.
Based at TFS Johannesburg/Blues Fencing Club, he has captained South Africa at major continental competitions, bringing leadership and valuable experience.
Lancaster, an African Senior Championships silver medallist, will captain the women’s team in Lagos.
She became the first South African women’s épée fencer to progress beyond the pool stage at the Senior World Championships.
President of the Fencing Federation of South Africa, Louise Lombard, said the squad balanced youth with experience.
“We have a largely young squad, with some athletes making their international debut in Lagos.
“Several development fencers from rural areas will be travelling abroad for the first time, thanks to club funding.
“At the same time, our senior athletes, who have come close to medals in previous Commonwealth competitions, bring valuable experience.
“This is a squad of multiple ages and weapons, and one with great potential,” Lombard said.
Lombard will also serve as the team’s manager during the championships. Six South African fencers will contest the veterans’ épée event in Lagos.
Eleven athletes, comprising six men and five women, will compete in the senior épée category. Four fencers will participate in the senior foil event.
The Under-23 squad includes eight épée fencers, four foil fencers and two sabre fencers.
South Africa heads to Lagos confident after hosting the last Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships.
The team will seek to build on that success with another strong showing at the championships. (NAN)
F.O
Tags: Commonwealth Games South Africa