Manja, Molotsane lift South African Cross Country titles – AthleticsAfrica
Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

RSA

Manja, Molotsane lift South African Cross Country titles

David Manja and Kesa Molotsane crowned national champions with victories in the Senior Men’s and Women’s 10km races at the SA Cross Country Championships in George.

Ikangeng Gaorekwe of Central Gauging Athletics (CGA) wins the junior men 8km and Nicole van der Merwe of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) wins the junior women 8km during the 2016 South African Cross Country Championships held at The Olympia School of Skills in Pacaltsdorp on September 10, 2016 in George, South Africa. (Photo by Roger Sedres/Gallo Images)
Ikangeng Gaorekwe of Central Gauging Athletics (CGA) wins the junior men 8km and Nicole van der Merwe of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) wins the junior women 8km during the 2016 South African Cross Country Championships held at The Olympia School of Skills in Pacaltsdorp on September 10, 2016 in George, South Africa. (Photo by Roger Sedres/Gallo Images)

David Manja and Kesa Molotsane were crowned national champions on Saturday, earning convincing victories in the Senior Men’s and Women’s 10km races at the SA Cross Country Championships in George.

Six months ahead of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Kampala, some of the country’s top athletes stuck up their hands as the race began for places in the national squad, and Manja was triumphant against a full-strength onslaught from his compatriots.

The Central North West star completed the men’s race in 29:05, finishing 19 seconds ahead of Gauteng North athlete Precious Mashele. Manja’s teammate, Joel Mmone, took third place a further 15 seconds off the pace.

Molotsane, meanwhile, stormed to an impressive win in the women’s contest to secure gold for Free State, crossing the line in 35:09.

Defending champion Glenrose Xaba settled for second place in 35:37, and Maria Shai of Central North West pocketed the bronze medal.

Over the 4km distance, Marko Bucarizza edged out middle-distance track specialist Jerry Motsau to lift the men’s crown in 11:26.

Though she was ineligible for a prize in the senior category, Under-23 Central North West athlete Sherilene Gelderblom was the first athlete home in the Women’s 4km race in 13:59.

Rising Steeplechase star, Ikageng Gaorekwe, representing Central Gauteng, won the Junior Men’s 8km race in 24:07, and his provincial teammate Nicole van der Merwe earned the Junior Women’s 6km gold medal in 21:58.

As part of a unique team relay concept, Central North West were triumphant over the 8km distance in 24:42, finishing nearly half-a-minute clear of Central Gauteng (25:09), with Gauteng North taking third position a further three seconds adrift.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Meet The Authors

Website | + Posts

Athletics South Africa is the governing body for the sport code of track and field in the Republic of South Africa with a head office in Johannesburg.

You May Also Like

RSA

Athletics South Africa is thrilled to learn of the European Court of Human Rights declaration that the imposition of the DSD regulations on Caster...

RSA

Taylon Bieldt scorched to a convincing victory in 12.76 secs to break the South African record in the women's 100m hurdles at a meeting...

South Africa

Athletics South Africa president, James Moloi, has expressed strong support for the South African athletes participating in the upcoming 2023 World Mountain and Trail...

RSA

Mine de Klerk and Benjamin Richardson lead 47-member strong South African team to the World Athletics U20 Championships taking place in Cali, Colombia from...

Click to access the login or register cheese