South Africa's top distance runners are ready to take on athletes from around the globe in one of the most challenging and prestigious events on the international circuit, with Athletics South Africa announcing the final national team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships taking place in Bathurst, Australia on 18 February 2023.

 

For the senior men's 10km race, a powerful squad featuring some of the country's strongest, most experienced and promising athletes will carry the national flag.

The team features versatile athlete Precious Mashele, marathon runner Elroy Gelant, national cross country champion Mbuleli Mathanga, rising road running star Maxime Chaumeton and Mathews Leeto. Adriaan Wildschutt, a US-based athlete who was initially included in the provisional squad, has been replaced by another experienced athlete, Collen Mulaudzi, in the final team.

 

A strong squad has also been announced for the women's 10km race.

National champion Glenrose Xaba will be joined by experienced campaigner Kesa Molotsane, as well as promising athletes Cian Oldknow, Kyla Jacobs and Cacisile Sosibo.

Aynslee van Graan has also been added to the final SA team, giving the senior women's contingent a significant boost as they prepare to take on the world's toughest athletes in both the individual and team competitions.

 

Perhaps the strongest team in the squad is the mixed relay quartet, which features powerhouse athletes who will fancy their chances against just about any group of middle-distance runners.

The relay contingent includes former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya, as well as fellow middle-distance track specialists Prudence Sekgodiso, Ryan Mphahlele and Tshepo Tshite.

 

The junior men's team for the U-20 8km race consists of Dino Nako, Musawenkosi Mnisi, Reatlegile Mosweu, Jayde Rosslee, Siyabonga Xawana and Sibusiso Msibi.

The junior women's team for the U-20 6km race includes Naledi Makgatha, Phemelo Matshaba, Omaatla Dikao, Li-Mari Dekker and Wiepke Schoeman.

 

/ENDS