ASA chief Enoch Skosana looks ahead to the World Champs

Skosana told SABC Sport that the global showpiece presents an important opportunity to revive and strengthen road running in the country, while also setting the tone for improved performances from Team South Africa in the first official event on the athletics calendar.

He has challenged the twelve-member national senior squad, led by Olympian and multiple national record holder Adriaan Wildschutt, as well as national half-marathon champion and record holder Glenrose Xaba, to rise to the occasion. 

Chris Mhlanga, national marathon champion Bennett Seloyi, Musawenkosi Mnisi and three-time national cross-country champion Kabelo Mulaudzi form part of the men’s team heading to the United States. Xaba will be joined by Cacisile Sosibo, Kyla Jacobs, Cian Oldknow, Karabo Mailula, and Zanele Maisa in the women’s senior 10km event.  

“I have a big plan for road running in the country and we would like to start by encouraging more participation in cross country,” said Skosana. “We are engaging sponsors and coaches to assist us, and the team will assemble for camp next week to prepare to represent the country with pride.”

READ: Ryan Mphahlele eyes Commonwealth Games

Skosana, a former long-distance runner who now works full-time at a local government institution, added that increasing female participation remains a key priority.

“Our goal is to see more women involved in road running and for these athletes to punch above their weight. We want to cultivate a strong culture of cross country in South Africa. This event will set the tone for the season and give athletes a clear idea of what to expect going forward,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Mulaudzi said the World Cross Country Championships will form a crucial part of his build-up towards road racing later in the year, before eventually switching focus to the marathon in 2027.

“I have won three national cross-country titles and going to the US will give me the chance to test myself against some of the best runners in the world,” Mulaudzi told the national broadcaster. “This is a big season for me, as I want to challenge myself in the 10km and half-marathon as part of my long-term goal of qualifying for the Olympic marathon at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”

“I’ve really been looking forward to these championships because they will set the tone for the rest of my season,” he added.