Mashele, Xaba just too good

Wesley Bo on

– One of South Africa’s most underrated distance runners, Precious Mashele (above) hopes to capitalise on his current cross country form by lifting his status on the road.

Mashele and Glenrose Xaba stamped their authority as the nation’s top athletes in the toughest of disciplines, coasting to victory in the senior men’s and women’s 10km races at the SA Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

Dropping his opponents on the penultimate 2km lap of the men’s contest, Mashele opened a massive gap to win in 29:28.

Jeromy Andreas held on to take second in 29:47, with 20-year-old Kabelo Seboko finishing third in 29:51, securing a clean sweep for the Central Gauteng team.

Xaba, who won the national 4km and 10km titles last year, was rewarded after focusing on the longer race.

Facing a strong field, Xaba was locked in a hard-fought battle for the line, edging out Kesa Molotsane in a late sprint.

She completed the race in 35:16, one second ahead of Molotsane, with Jenet Mbhele third in 36:07.

Port Elizabeth