Tshepo set to make Absa Run Your City 10km debut in Gqeberha

Sepeng says the time is right for Tshite to transition to the road, and believes the popular Run Your City Series in the Friendly City provides the perfect platform.

The University of Pretoria-based coach adds that Tshite is expected to contest several 10km races around the country this year, and he is eager to see how the middle-distance specialist, who focuses on the 800m and 1500m, performs over the longer distance in an official race.

“There’s more to come, but at the same time we want Tshepo to enjoy sports and not put too much pressure on him. As I mentioned, it’s part of our plan to move up. To be honest, Tshepo is going to run the 10km in Gqeberha,so whatever we do from now on is also part of our preparation for the 10km in Gqeberha,” said Sepeng

Sepeng, the younger brother of Olympic 800m silver medallist and Athletics South Africa High Performance Manager Hezekiel Sepeng, told the national broadcaster that Tshite began his career as a road runner before moving onto the track. 

He says the decision to enter him in the Gqeberha race is about returning to his roots while testing his ability against elite competition.

The former coach of Caster Semenya at Tuks insists that Tshite is not heading to Nelson Mandela Bay to make up the numbers. 

He believes the athlete has the ability to stay with the leading pack and challenge for a strong finishing time.

Sepeng, who formed part of Team South Africa’s coaching staff at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, says the plan for the season is to gradually move Tshite up to the 10km while still mixing it with the 800m, 1500m and 5000m as part of their long-term development strategy.

“Ja, it is our plan to move up – that's why I mentioned Gqeberha. There will be other 10km races, but obviously we still have to consider the track meets as well.”