Violet Semenya happy with SA cross country world championships team

By Charles Baloyi
10th January 2026

South Africa’s national cross country coach Violet Semenya has expressed her satisfaction with the squad selected to represent the country at the World Cross Country Championships taking place in Tallahassee, Florida today.

The men’s senior 10km team features American-based Adriaan Wildschutt, Bennett Seloyi, Jayde Rossle, who is also based in the United States, Sanele Masondo, Musawenkosi Mnisi and Chris Mhlanga.

The women’s senior 10km squad consists of Glenrose Xaba, Cian Oldknow, Karabo Mailula, Zanele Maisa, Kyla Jacobs and Cacisile Sosibo.

Semenya, who was named National Road Running Coach of the Year in 2025, works closely with Mailula and Xaba in Tshwane and believes both the men’s and women’s teams have the depth and experience to compete well on the global stage.

Three-time national cross country 10km champion Mulaudzi was forced to withdraw from the team due to injury and was replaced by Rossle.

“The men’s and women’s teams are strong. We have anchors like Adriaan and Zanele, who know the conditions and are very experienced. I believe they will do well. We trust them and hopefully they also believe in themselves,” said Semenya.

READ: Cian Oldknow eyes Commonwealth Games qualification

While the overall focus remains on the entire squad, Semenya acknowledged that Xaba will be one of Team South Africa’s key athletes in the women’s senior race. Xaba enjoyed an outstanding domestic season, winning almost all her races, and arrives in the United States in good health and confident form.

“I expect her to sign off in a special way as this could be her last cross-country championships. She is still fit, she is in good shape, and she can do it,” Semenya added.

Coaching alongside her partner, multiple Olympic 800m gold medallist Caster Semenya, at the Masai Athletics Club in Tshwane, Semenya also said she felt honoured to have been entrusted by Athletics South Africa to lead the national team at this year’s championships.

“There is a lot of pressure, but there are people who believe in me. I would like to thank Athletics South Africa for the recognition. Being chosen to lead the team means a lot to me, and I don’t take this opportunity for granted,” she said.