SA 10km Champ Andries Sesedi joins Nedbank
After bursting onto the scene last year with his thrilling victory at the SA 10km Championships, Andries Sesedi became a much sought after man. Running in the colours of an amateur club Colossus AC, the 21-year-old surprised many when he beat more experienced competitors including defending champion Mbuleli Mathanga to win the national title for Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) last August.
That performance had the professional clubs clamouring for his signature and he finally decided to join the Green Machine. "He is excited to be joining one of the biggest and most successful clubs in the country," said his coach Motlatsi Sesing. "He feels that it is the opportunity to prove that he is the best upcoming athlete."
Deciding to join a club that is perhaps better known for its achievements over the marathon and ultra marathon distance, while he is yet to master the 10km and half marathon may leave some of Sesedi's supporters concerned. But Sesing has assured the athletics purists in particular that their plan for the youngster from the west of Johannesburg remains the same - to perform well over 10km and qualify to represent South Africa at the World Championships taking place in Budapest, Hungary later this year.
"Nedbank Running Club is the most committed supporter and sponsor of development running in South Africa. It provides the necessary structure and backing for him to compete on the global stage. His main focus this year will be the 10 000m on the track, 10km at the SA Cross Country Championships and we will be doing all the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10km races this year," explained the mentor of the man who is the holder of a 28:39 personal best set during the 2022 ABSA RYC Durban 10k.
Ultimately the decision to join the club led by 1991 Comrades Marathon champion Nick Bester was in part motivated by its longevity. As one of the oldest elite running clubs in the country having been around for sixteen years, Nedbank has nutured many successful running careers. Sesing says he is happy that his athlete who hails from humble beginnings in Mohlakeng Township will now have the necessary support to focus on excelling as a top runner.
"I'm relieved that he now has financial backup. Everything is getting expensive now - from running shoes to entry fees. But he doesn't have to worry about all of that now. He can just focus on improving his running and performance." Sesedi will once again represent CGA at the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom in April.
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