Mosiako could be dropped from trip

Star advised not to go to Algeria after racist attack

It’s not a risk worth taking to let Thabang Mosiako compete at the African Cross Country Championships next month, warned Athletics SA excellence manager Hezekiel Sepeng.

Mosiako, 22, could be scratched from the Algeriabound Team SA but this will be done in consultation with team coach Spring Phakathi.

The SA 5000m champ felt soothed by the news that he needed three to four weeks to recover from head injuries he suffered during an alleged racially motivated attack in Potchefstroom a fortnight ago.

“The doctor said I should take a two-week break before I resume training,” Mosiako told Sowetan shortly after undergoing check-up this week.

“I’m feeling much better, but I can’t stand long in the heat. I think I still have enough time to recover for the African Championships because they are happening on March 17, which is a full month away.

“When the doctor said I could be out for three to four weeks, it gave me hope that going to Algeria was still a possibility.”

However, Sepeng said: “Thabang was our main man but I don’t want him to participate and take the risk after what happened to him. “Coach Spring will make a final decision.”

In the event Mosiako is dropped from the 20-member team, the reserves will be considered, said Sepeng.

Mosiako, meanwhile, said he could not recall the events of that fateful night on February 4 except that he was attempting to run away from his attackers, allegedly a group of white men.

His training partner Rantso Mokopane was also assaulted.

Investigations are ongoing but no arrests have been made yet. The case has trigged a huge public interest.

Sport Minister Thulas Nxesi has condemned the attack, calling for speedy arrest of the culprits.

‘‘ When the doctor said I could be out for four weeks it gave me hope