Doubts remain for red-hot Thabang Mosiako

Though he outclassed the country’s top distance runners for the second time this year at the weekend, elite prospect Thabang Mosiako remains unsure about his ability to produce fast times.

Mosiako dropped national record-holder Stephen Mokoka with less than 2km to go at the FNB Joburg 10k CityRun on Sunday, storming to an impressive victory against a quality line-up in 29:51.

Also read: Mosiako stuns quality field in Joburg

Earlier this year, the 22-year-old athlete had beaten Mokoka and Elroy Gelant to win the SA 5 000m title on the track, at altitude in Potchefstroom, and with his latest scalp on the road he confirmed his potential as one of the nation’s brightest stars. \

Gearing up for another battle against Mokoka at the inaugural CitySurfRun 10km race in Durban next week, however, Mosiako was cautious in his prediction.

While Mokoka was being tipped to target his own national mark of 27:38, Mosiako was hoping to shatter his career best of 29:29 by dipping under 29 minutes for the first time.

Mokoka, meanwhile, remained optimistic of clocking a fast time against a world-class field in Durban.

While he was unable to react to Mosiako’s thunderous kick on the challenging high-altitude course at the weekend, holding on for second place ahead of Gladwin Mzazi, Mokoka was eager to give it a crack at the coastal race.

“I’m in good shape but this course is too tough for someone who is light on his feet,” Mokoka said.

“I wanted to run hard and fast, and I wasn’t capable of doing that because the hills were holding me behind a bit, but I’m fine for Durban.”

In the women’s race on Sunday, Glenrose Xaba built on her impressive form, with the recently crowned national 4km and 10km cross country champion cruising to victory in 35:39 ahead of Nolene Conrad (36:12).