ASA official Kesa Molotsane hopes for a South African 10km Grand Prix series winner

Juggling her roles as both an administrator and a runner, Molotsane believes it’s time for South African athletes to reclaim victory in the series, which has been consistently won by Ethiopian runner Tadu Nare and Namibia star Helelia Johannes over the past six years.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Molotsane confidently asserts her belief, willing to wager her utmost confidence in the emergence of a South African champion at the conclusion of the five-race scheduled for October.

"I have a positive belief that we might even get it. Looking closely to how they perform, I think they started off [well], it's been a great season for road running especially for women in South Africa,” Molotsane said.

“With the Spar, they still have enough chances to better their performances, better their training programmes and better their racing because from now on we're only going to start again in June with the Durban Spar.

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“So, they still have a chance to prepare more and to do more from their side to just give out their best at the Durban Spar so hopefully in these last four races that we are left with, something can come up and maybe once again a South African can win a grand prix. We are just hoping and it's a gamble but I'm really positive and optimistic."

Glenrose Xaba made a significant stride in that direction by ending a six-year drought for South Africa, clinching victory in the Grand Prix 10km race held in Cape Town.

She crossed the finish line at Green Point Stadium in a commendable time of 30 minutes and 17 seconds.

Molotsane lauded Xaba’s achievement, emphasising the overdue triumph of a South African runner surpassing their foreign competitors.

"I am actually pleased that we could go over that hurdle because we've been struggling for a long time  just to get a South African on the first stance on the podium so we're really looking forward to more wins for South Africans,” she added.

“I think this came at the right time so they can just be aware of their talent. It was just a confidence booster to say let's just break that part and maybe moving forward we can improve it.

“So, I'm really hoping that when everybody is back because we are currently having some internationals competing at the All Africa Games in Ghana, so once everybody is back, they will still have the urge to bring more wins for South Africans. So, Glenrose is doing a great job with the coaches there and I think we will grow and have more of them on the podium."