Xaba vs Sosibo while Mashele looks to end 2023 on a high at SA 10km Champs

South African 10km record holder Precious Mashele is aiming to end the year on a very high note at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 10km Championship hosted by Mpumalanga Athletics on Saturday 4 November. With the year drawing to an end and with it it the road running season, Mashele will hope to reigns supreme and add yet another national title to his name.

The 33-year-old Boxer Athletics Club top runner has enjoyed a fruitful 2023, the highlight of which was setting a new SA 10km record with the splendid run of 27:35 during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in April. Mashele, who trains under the watchful eye of New York Marathon winner Hendrick Ramaala at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg says he is looking forward to his final road race of the year in Mbombela.

Mashele wants to end his year with a victory. Photo credit: ASA Media.

"I think the preparations are on point so far. We haven't changed much in terms of the program we did building up to the World Champs," explained the man who represented the country over Half Marathon distance at the recent World Road Running Championship held in Riga, Latvia where Mzansi' men's 21km team claimed a historic bronze medal during the event.

"Its the last race of the year so I have to take it easy. I'm positive that we have done enough with the coach to get ready for the big day. The positive factor is that I'm going to race without an injuries. Plus this year, I haven't really been troubled by injury. Its always good to finish the season without experiencing any pain. That will be a huge boost when preparing for next year. So yeah, I'm ready for the race," he said.

The former SA 10km Champion, who won inaugural Boxer Super Run 5k just two weeks ago, will be up against defending champion Andries Sesedi who claimed a memorable victory in Pretoria last year in Mashele's absence. The Machine as he is affectionately known is anticipating competition as he looks to end his road running season on top of the podium. "It's my final race of the year so I want positive results. I want to win the race plus the national title. I have done it before so it would be great to do it again. I pray for the weather conditions to be on my side so I can run very well."

Xaba is in excellent form but will have to survive a tough battle against CGA's Cacisile Sosibo. Photo Credit: ASA Media.

While the men's race is expected to be dominated by Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) stars such as Mashele and Sesedi, the women's race will be all about Glenrose Xaba. The Athletic Gauteng North top runner has been in sublime form after setting after joining the 31 minute 10km club this season and setting a new course record at the Thembisa Mile 10km on Sunday. But Xaba will have a tough battle against the in-form Cacisile Sosibo, who finished 10th in the half-marathon at the recent World Road Running Championships in Latvia.