ASA unveils preliminary national squad for World Cross Country Champs

A full-strength preliminary national squad has been announced by Athletics South Africa (ASA), featuring 27 athletes across five events for the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships to be held in Bathurst, Australia on 18 February.

The ASA preliminary team is packed with quality and experience.

In the senior men's division, the squad includes versatile athlete Precious Mashele, marathon runner Elroy Gelant, national cross country champion Mbuleli Mathanga, and rising stars Maxime Chaumeton, Adriaan Wildschutt and Mathews Leeto.

In the senior women's category, the squad features experienced campaigner Kesa Molotsane, SA champion Glenrose Xaba and promising prospects Cian Oldknow, Kyla Jacobs and Cacisile Sosibo.

A strong group of athletes have also been included for the mixed relay event, with former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya joining fellow middle-distance track specialists Prudence Sekgodiso, Ryan Mphahlele and Tshepo Tshite.

In addition, the preliminary team includes six athletes in the U20 men's division and five individuals in the U20 women's category.

All athletes based in South Africa will need to prove their fitness before the event to secure a place in the final national team for the World Championships. They will be given an opportunity to show their form at the Botswana Cross Country Challenge in Gaborone on 28 January.

“Congratulations to all athletes who have been included in the ASA preliminary team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships,” said ASA President James Moloi.

“We are pleased to announce such strong teams to compete in one of the most challenging and prestigious events on the international calendar.

“Athletes will need to prove they are in top form in order to receive the honour of representing the country abroad, but we are confident the final team will fly our flag high with pride and provide us with our best possible results when they compete against the best athletes in the world.”