Recovering Andries Sesedi out to defend his SA 10km title

The competition is scheduled for this Saturday in Mbombela.

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As he proudly represents the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), the 22-year-old athlete, who is also a proud member of the Nedbank Running Club, enters the weekend’s event with a remarkable record.

Not only did he secure the 10km title in Tshwane last year, but he also clinched the SA 10, 000m track and field title in April earlier this year, making him a double champion.

Nonetheless, his preparations have been significantly impeded by recent health challenges over the past fortnight, during which he grappled with an ulcer and the flu.  

His journey to recovery has involved several hospital visits, all in a concerted effort to regain his strength for the eagerly awaited national championships.   

On Monday, he had to forgo his training session due to a severe bout of flu. Nevertheless, he remains unwavering in his determination to travel with the CGA team on Friday, with his primary goal being a top-three finish.

He affirms that he currently feels considerably better than he did just two days ago and has firmly dismissed any notion of withdrawing from the championship race.

“The preparations have been progressing well, although this has undoubtedly been the most challenging week I’ve faced. Over the past few days, I’ve been on medication for ulcers and the flu. Thankfully, the pain has started to subside. The past two weeks were particularly demanding for me, with a persistent running nose, which I hope will soon relent, allowing me to be at my best. However, I want to emphasize that my determination to secure a back-to-back national 10km title remains unwavering. My mental fortitude is strong, and my mindset is resolute. My goal is to successfully defend my title or, at the vest least, contend for a top-three finish,” declared Sesedi during his interview with SABC Sport, highlighting his impressive personal best time of 28 minutes and 29 seconds.

His coach, Motlatsi Sesing, made an adjustment to his training program to provide him with more opportunities for rest.

The athlete, hailing from Randfontein, acknowledges the unpredictability of athletics competitions but expressed his optimism for favourable weather conditions over the weekend, ideally wishing for warm and rain-free conditions.