Xaba to take on the world’s best Dibaba in Cape Town

Local stars Gelnrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh have an opportunity to run against the best middle-distance runner in the world, Genzebe Dibaba on Absa Run Your City Series, at Cape Town on Sunday, 15 May.

Dibaba, arguably one of the best female athletes in the world, is a holder of four world records and two world bests-will line up in the much-anticipated 10km race tomorrow.

However Xaba and Kavanagh will be there to give her a run for her money.

Last month Xaba ran a personal best of 32:31:49 to win the ASA championships 10 000m title in Cape Town and she is more concerned about bettering her PB than winning against Dibaba.

œAngeke ngifake that much ukuthi since kunemali enkulu e ABSA, engingasho nje ukuthi ngifuna ukugijima kahle, this year the main focus ukthi ngijime kahle ngikwazi uku break ama PB ami said Xaba.

(I will not focus on the fact that there is a lot of money on Absa ˜race™ all I want to say is I want to run well, this year the main focus is to run well and break my PB)

The 27- year old is prioritizing the Commonwealth Games and she believes that she stands a chance of winning a title at the Games.

œI can say Commonwealth Games because there are many opportunities that I may come back with a medal. There are no strong athletes in Commonwealth; countries do bring to strong athletes like they do in World champs. My focus I can say is in Commonwealth the long-distance runner explained.

Xaba has to run sub-31 minutes to qualify for Commonwealth in Birmingham in August.

By Charles Baloyi