Glenrose Xaba and Andries Sesedi produced dominant performances on Saturday to secure the national women’s and men’s titles, respectively at the ASA 10km Championships at Pilditch Stadium, Tshwane.
Showing her class at altitude, Xaba broke away from a strong field to win gold for host province Athletics Gauteng North in the women’s race in 33:33.
She finished well clear of Kesa Molotsane, who earned silver for Athletics Free State in 34:02, and Diana-Lebo Phalula grabbed bronze for the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) team in 34:09.
Though she had hoped in-form KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) star Tayla Kavanagh would be in the field, Xaba was delighted with her result, adding the 10km road title to the national 10,000m title she won on the track earlier this season.
“I told myself I needed to take home this title after all the challenges I have faced this year, so I’m very happy to win,” Xaba said.
“I was hoping Tayla would be here because she’s in shape, but I’m glad the Phalula sisters (Diana-Lebo and Lebogang, who finished sixth) are back because they’re pushing me to do well.”
Sesedi, meanwhile, won the men’s title, breaking clear to complete the race in 28:58. He was followed home by CGA teammate Nicolaus Seoposengwe who earned the silver medal in 29:12, and national 10,000m track champion Mbuleli Mathanga, who grabbed bronze for KZNA in 29:15.
“We can only be delighted about the success of the championships and to see new champions taking over the titles. Congratulations to the winners and all who contested the top 10 finishing,” said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.
