Josia Thugwane advises Team SA runners ahead of World Champs marathon

At 07:00, the World Championship marathon will see Simon Sibeko, Melikhaya Frans, and Tumelo Motlagale representing the country in the men’s 42.2km marathon race.

Throughout the history of the Championships, South Africa have never secured a medal, and Thugwane has acknowledged the challenge ahead, and believes it might be several years before a local contender manages to ascend the podium at a major event.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Thugwane emphasised that South African runners currently lack the necessary attributes to outperform their Kenyan and Ethiopian counterparts.

“It may require several years before a local athlete achieves victory in a major race. Athletics South Africa should embark on a quest for untapped talent in rural regions," Thugwane told SABC Sport in an exclusive interview ahead of Sunday's event. 

"The amalgamation of short-distance, marathon, and ultra-marathon events perplexes our athletes’ physical conditioning.  While Stephen Mokoka undeniably holds the title of the finest, his advancing age poses a concern. 

"My contentment with the state of the country’s marathon scene is lacking. Numerous strides remain untaken. With the current crop of athletes, we are far from being equipped to triumph in a major race,"

The 1996 Olympic marathon gold medallist has proposed that local runners enhance their training by regularly engaging with East African athletes, steer clear of excessive racing and concentrate on marathon events.

"I don’t anticipate the marathon team causing a stir at the World Championships. Their objectives should be to gather experience, bringing back lessons to fuel dedicated training,” concluded Thugwane.