Sesedi and Mhlanga gear up to compete at World Athletics Cross Country Championships
Eyewitness News caught up with Chris Mhlanga and Andries Sesedi who will be competing in the senior men's 10km race at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
University of Johannesburg-student athlete and South African runner Chris Mhlanga. Picture: Tembisa Mile/Facebook.
JOHANNESBURG - Athletics South Africa has named its 28-member team to represent the country at the upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on 30 March 2024.
Eyewitness News caught up with Chris Mhlanga and Andries Sesedi who will be competing in the senior men's 10km race.
“I have always wanted to represent my country and showcase my talent against the best in the world,” said Sesedi.
The team for the senior men's 10km race is spearheaded by SA champion Kabelo Mulaudzi and he will be joined by national trials winner Chris Mhlanga, as well as Mathews Leeto, Nadeel Wildschutt, Bennet Seloyi and Andries Sesedi.
“It means a lot to me cause I've been preparing for this my whole career, was really trying so hard to qualify and represent the country all these past years but couldn't make the team now that I'm finally part of it I'm so happy,” said Mhlanga.
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The 22-year-old University of Johannesburg student began his running career in 2018 when he was in matric.
“Well, I started running in the year 2018 when I was recognised by my late primary school teacher who forced me to [participate in] athletics instead of soccer,” Mhlanga told Eyewitness News.
Meanwhile, Central Gauteng Athletics runner Sesedi started his running career in grade 8. He would later hone his athleticism when his uncle advised him to take it more seriously.
“You need to be dedicated, work hard and be disciplined when competing in a 10km, as it requires an immense amount of endurance and strength. All the best middle and long-distance runners did cross-country at the beginning stages of their careers. I believe it’s a good place to start if I want to be the best in the world,” Sesedi explained to Eyewitness News.
The 23-year-old has had setbacks in his career, including missing an opportunity to represent the country at the African Cross Country Championships in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
In 2022, he failed to qualify for the 2022 World Championships in Oregon. But in the same year, Sesedi won the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 10km Championships and also won the 10,000m ASA Senior Track and Field Championship track and field title in 2023, making him a double champion.
“I have been working very hard with my team to get the spot in the world cross country aim to get a team price at least,” said Sesedi.
Mhlanga won both the 10,000m and 21km at the University Sports South Africa and represented the country at the FISU World University Games in China.
“Well, this year I have achieved one of my dreams which is qualifying for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships. And was hoping to also qualify for African games,” said Mhlanga.