Manfred Seidler: National champs for Tayla Kavanagh to lose

Seidler, a former ASA consultant, reckons Kavanagh is the clear favourite to clinch her second national crown when the championships get underway in Mangaung, held as part of the North Ridge Mall Marathon.  

He told SABC Sport that he would bet his last cent on Kavanagh securing the victory. 

"It's an interesting one because, remember, she didn't finish KZNA Champs, which was the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km, so she had to apply to KZN to be selected, which they did," explained Seidler.

"And since she was talking to them, I was chatting to her and she kept on asking if Glenrose [Xaba] is running – she wants to race Glenrose and she was actually hoping Glenrose would be there so she could race her.

"So, when I spoke to her at the Spar [Awards], I told her Glenrose won't be there, she went, 'Ah, that's disappointing.' 

"But I think it's Tayla's race to lose, given the difference between the standard she and Glenrose have achieved, compared to the other ladies – they've improved, but I think Tayla's been sublime and I think she's going to be too strong for the ladies on the day."

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With Xaba unavailable this weekend, Seidler has tipped Karabo Mailula and Karabo More as Kavanagh’s most likely challengers to her bid for a second crown. 

"I think the major competition will come from the two Karabo's – Mailula and More – and the thing that could count against Tayla is the fact that it's at altitude," he added.

"She has spent, I think, about 10 days in total that she was at altitude when she races in Bloemfontein, so hopefully that will have made a difference.

"But, like I said, I'm pretty confident that she will come away with the win, and that will be her second national title after 2021."