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Aspirant runner Tseko Thoabala (19), from Marquard in the Free State, is geared to make his mark on his first-ever international debut at this year’s World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital city. He is the only Free Stater in the six-member U20 men’s contingent that Athletics South Africa (ASA) selected on merited performances, to represent the country in the cross-country 8 km race taking place on Saturday, 30 March.
In the team are Musawenkosi Mnisi, Pheko Zanzile, Realeboga Smith, Corné de Fouw, and Rico Leijenaar. The crew will propel their efforts for the 8 km cross-country glory. Tseko will be jetting for Serbia tomorrow - Tuesday, 26 March with the South African contingent of 28 athletes. The team was announced on 1 February.
This learner of the Mohlodi Thuto High School is excited about the opportunity to represent his country globally.
“Lifting up the flag is the biggest dignity I could be holding,” he said.
The middle-distance runner is rewarded for his superb stint across all the South African cross-country championships series - regional, provincial, and national last year. Tseko secured a top-six slot in the final trials in Potchefstroom. In other series he obtained the first and third position with personal best times in series in Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
“The biggest challenge was in Bloemfontein where I had to chase a leading pack which was 500 m ahead after starting late. This happened after being ordered to change a Free State colour vest for a white non-branded one. I came from behind to finish in third place and I was happy achieving that considering I started late,” said Tseko. He will be tested by opponents from different countries in the Park of Friendship, next to the Danube River, which was also the site of the 2013 European championships.
Other events are the mixed senior relay (4 x 2 km), U20 women (6 km), senior women and senior men (10 km).
Considered a later bloomer to the sport, Tseko said he began competing seriously in cross-country in 2017, representing his former school, the Moemaneng Primary School.
Jacob Moseme, trainer, said Tseko improves with every competition to reach his full potential.
“I met him in 2018, and immediately I noticed at training sessions he strives to win always. He does not accept defeat easy. He learns important lessons in every competition. I’m not surprised at Tseko’s selection to represent the country internationally. He deserves this chance based on his performance. This is a proud moment and he has already inspired his peers locally,” said Moseme, a long-distance runner who has featured in marathons that include the Soweto Marathon.
Tseko was given a memorable send-off, with two functions held on Tuesday, 19 March, and Saturday, 23 March, at the school and at the Moemaneng Stadium in Marquard.
