Moloi is banking on six-time 100m champion Akani Simbine to deliver a world medal in the new season, and end a three-year drought.

ASA released a squad list of 101 athletes to represent the country at various meetings, and Simbine is included in the 44 that will be at World Championships in Hungary in August.

“In 2022, we failed to get a senior medal at the World Championships in America. Without putting too much pressure on Akani (Simbine), the shoulders of the nation rest on his tiny shoulders.

He is a senior athlete and secured fifth place at the previous world championships and we expect him to go two steps better to secure a podium place finish.

If he and his coach can get it right, they can deliver a podium in Hungary and restore the dented image of ASA,” Moloi told SABC Sport.

In 2017, ASA secured fifth place on the medal count at the London World Championships with six medals. However, failed to win a medal in 2019 and 2022.

World 400m record holder Wayde van Niekerk is part of the list but is yet to reach the final of a world event in four years since an injury while playing touch rugby in a charity event in 2018.

The likes of Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), Ruswahl Samaai (long jump), Stephen Mokoka (marathon), Clarence Munyai (100m), Luxolo Adams (200m), and American-based middle-distance runner Dominique Scott are also on the list for the World Championships.

Moloi is hoping for a surprise package from another athlete like rising star Sekgodiso.

“Someone has to come up from somewhere and raise the flag. We have many youngsters on the team. It would be a disaster if we do not win a medal in Hungary,” explained Moloi.

Another event to look out for is the World Cross Country Championships in Australia on 18 February where 25 athletes will assemble, led by Precious Mashele, Elroy Gelant, Kesa Molotsane, and Gelnrose Xaba.

By Charles Baloyi

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