Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) distance athlete Mpumelelo Mokoena says his selection to the CGA team for the ASA 10km Championships in Potchefstroom on October 17 will give him the challenge he has been seeking since the start of the year.

Mokoena will represent the province alongside 30 teammates at the national road-running showpiece, now part of the Let’s Go Potch! 10km race at the JB Marks Oval.

He will line up alongside the in-form Lefa Kwanele, Fernando Macavele and Mokaedi Pheko in the senior men’s race. At the same time, Samantha Coetzer, Zanele Maisa, Maria Shai and Kebogile Motshabi will lead the charge in the senior women’s race.

“It means a lot to me because this opportunity is going to give me the challenge I have been looking for. It’s going to be my first national 10km road championships, and I have been relishing the chance to compete against the best in the distance from other provinces,” said Mokoena.

The CGA cross-country men’s 10km champion knows the level of competition will be high, but believes his preparation has put him in a strong position to deliver a competitive performance.

Also Read: BNAC’s Mokoena wins CGA cross-country champs title

“It’s going to be a tough one, but I’m sure I’m going to manage it because I’m training hard. It’s the same training that qualified me for the ASA cross-country championships last month. Running a sub-31 will be a blessing for me.”

Mokoena has enjoyed a productive season and currently boasts a 31:11 10km personal best, which he clocked at the Daveyton Street Mile in August.

He opened the year with victory at the Spring Striders Race before running 33:40 to win the 10km at the Modderfontein Half-Marathon. He also finished second at the Qhubeka AC Half-Marathon on Human Rights Day and claimed another runner-up finish at the Colgate Race at Boksburg Stadium in May.

His season reached another high when he ran 31:11 to claim his first provincial title at the CGA cross-country championships in August.

With his first national 10km road championships now looming, Mokoena has set his sights on a top-five finish.

“In terms of results, a gold medal will be a bonus, but a top-five finish is a priority. I’m looking forward to doing my best because the race will be challenging. I am ready to take on the best in our country on the big stage again,” he said.

The 10km race is scheduled to start at 07:00. It will follow the Let’s Go Potch! Marathon and half-marathon, which start at 05:15 and 06:00, respectively.

Also Read: Northerns’ Mokoena reigns supreme at Springs Striders Race