'I don’t line up to come second' - Sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza warns Ferdinand Omanyala ahead of epic clash at Kip Keino Classic

South African sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza is walking in tremendous confidence ahead of his epic clash with Africa's fastest man in history Ferdinand Omanyala at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday, May 30.

The African speedsters are set to headline the men's 100m event, which is already building up to be an exciting race to anticipate at the respectable meet in Kenya.

Speaking to @KorirOfficial ahead of the race, Walaza voiced his excitement racing in front of the Nairobi crowd.

”Yo, I’m so pumped! I’ve been watching the Kip Keino Classic for a while and now I finally get to be part of it. Nairobi’s energy is next level, and I’m just excited to experience that vibe, feel the crowd, and give it my all."

The 19-year-old has been in tremendous form since this season, going under the sub-10s mark twice and running a brilliant first-leg as South Africa's 4x100m relay team anchored by the legendary Akani Simbine blazed to the gold medal at the World Relays last month.

Not resting on his oars, Walaza made his professional debut a memorable one by breaking his Personal Best (PB) to win the Continental Tour meet in Zagreb on Saturday, May 24, where he stormed to 9.94s to convincingly win the men's 100m event in Zagreb, miles ahead of Germany's Owen Asah in 10.20s.

With his exceptional time, he became the second-fastest African U20 in history behind Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo's 9.91s and also set a South African junior record.

Walaza's impressive run of form this season, especially in Zagreb, makes him believe he can challenge Omanyala to another famous win in front of his home crowd.

"I’ve got huge respect for Ferdinand Omanyala. He’s a beast and a crowd legend. But honestly, I don’t line up to come second. I believe in my training, my team, and my God-given talent. I’m here to race fearless and have fun. If I execute my race, anything can happen,” said the reigning World U20 double sprint champion.

Meanwhile, Omanyala on the bounce of an impressive performance of finishing second in 10.05s at the Rabat Diamond League last weekend, will be gunning for his first 100m win of the season. With a season's best time of 10.00s, he's in that shape to go sub-11s, making their clash a promising one to anticipate.