Youthful cross-country and middle-distance track athlete Tseko Thoabala (18), a learner of the Mohlodi Thuto High School, made a good impression on his international debut in the highly competitive World Athletics Cross-Country Championship. Representing South Africa, he managed to finish 42nd overall, clocking at 25:14 in the junior men’s 8 km of the global event held in Serbia’s capital city of Belgrade on Saturday, 30 March.
In terms of team, Tseko (18), finished in fifth position behind four teammates, with one member finishing outside the top 50-bracket. The other peers’ positions were as follows: Rico Leijenaar (24:30, 23rd), Zenzile Pheko (24:39, 25th) Musawenkosi Mnisi (24: 44, 27th), Corné de Fouw (25:12, 39th), and Realeboga Smith (26:00, 61st).
The South African crew was slower compared to the three podium finishers, Samuel Kibathi of Kenya (22:40), Mezgebu Sime of Ethiopia (22:41), and Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto of Kenya (22:46).
Tseko, however, was excited about the opportunity to represent his country globally. The bare-foot runner was the only Free Stater in the U20 men’s contingent that Athletics South Africa (ASA) selected on merited performances.
Tseko earned himself a ticket to his first-ever international race after he attained sixth place in the final trials in Potchefstroom last year. In other series, he obtained the first and third position in series held in Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
Jacob Moseme, trainer, said he was proud with the athlete’s improvement and making it in top 50-bracket at the world championship.
“I saw a great improvement. His usual time is 26:00 or 27:00 minutes in 8 km cross-country. There is room for improvement and we are going to continue working on improving for his next national and international competitions,” said Moseme.
