S’Africa Names Squad for C’wealth Fencing Championships in Lagos

South Africa is sending a strong 36-member contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships in Lagos, Nigeria, reinforcing its status as a leading fencing nation in Africa. The squad boasts a blend of seasoned athletes and promising newcomers, ready to compete on the international stage.

Leading the charge are two accomplished épée specialists, Sergey Losevskiy and Alexandra Lancaster. Both athletes previously competed in Lagos at last year's African Championships and are now set to guide the team. Losevskiy, who now fences for South Africa after previously representing Russia, is a key figure in the men's épée team, bringing extensive experience and leadership from his base at TFS Johannesburg/Blues Fencing Club. Lancaster, a silver medalist at the African Senior Championships, made history as the first South African woman épéeist to progress beyond the pool stages at the Senior World Championships, demonstrating significant ambition and resilience.

Louise Lombard, President of the Fencing Federation of South Africa, described the squad as a mix of maturity and potential. "We have a largely young squad, with some athletes making their international debut in Lagos," she explained. "Several development fencers from rural areas will be traveling abroad for the first time, thanks to club funding. At the same time, our senior athletes, who have come close to medals in past Commonwealth competitions, bring valuable experience. This is a squad of multiple ages and weapons, and one with great potential."

The team's composition highlights its diversity, with six fencers competing in the veteran épée event and eleven in the senior épée category (six men, five women). Additionally, four athletes will contest the foil event, while the U-23 division includes eight épéeists, four foilists, and two sabreurs. Following South Africa's successful hosting of the last Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships, the senior squad aims to leverage that momentum for a strong performance in Lagos.

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We have a largely young squad, with some athletes making their international debut in Lagos. Several development fencers from rural areas will be traveling abroad for the first time, thanks to club funding. At the same time, our senior athletes, who have come close to medals in past Commonwealth competitions, bring valuable experience. This is a squad of multiple ages and weapons, and one with great potential.