The South African team will need to deliver top-drawer results to reach the podium in both the individual and team competitions at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia on Saturday.

While the global championships was previously restricted to one distance (usually the half-marathon), this year's spectacle will feature races over 21.1km, 5km and the mile (1.609km).

Spearheading the SA team, experienced athlete Stephen Mokoka said ahead of the squad's departure on Wednesday that he felt they could do well, provided the conditions were suitable.

Mokoka will be joined by Elroy Gelant, Precious Mashele and Thabang Mosiako in the men's 21.1km race, as they target South Africa's first podium position at the World Road Running Championships since individual silver medallist Hendrick Ramaala led the national men's squad to the team gold medal in Palermo, Italy in 1999.

"We don't have any high expectations because the conditions are not going to be ideal for me to say 'I want this or that'," Mokoka said, amid expected downpour on race day.

"I believe the conditions determine what we're going to achieve, so I'm hoping my body copes well in the conditions."

In the women's half-marathon, national champion Glenrose Xaba will also lead a strong national team.

Xaba will line up alongside Cacisile Sosibo, Cian Oldknow and Kesa Molotsane as they look to make an impact against some of the world's best distance runners.

"My target is to run well and set a personal best, and maybe with the team we can achieve more, maybe top five in the team contest," Xaba said.

Nicholas Seoposengwe and Maxime Chaumeton will compete in the men's 5km race, while Tayla Kavanagh and Kyla Jacobs are in the women's 5km version.

Ryan Mphahlele and Carina Viljoen will turn out in the men's and women's mile races.

"We wish you well on your trip and competition. And as you compete give it your best, but we are not putting you under pressure, but you have a duty to represent your country with pride and honour.

"We trust you will enjoy yourselves at competition and we congratulate you for having made it to the team which you worked hard for,. The weather is expected to bring rain, but keep in mind that all athletes will be expoaed ronthe same," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. 

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS