"I'm taking it step by step" - Apahane wins as teenage sensation dominates at Kasi 10 in Polokwane

As if to underline the 10km dominance he enjoys in Limpopo, Alex Aphane won the 2026 Kasi 10km race on Saturday, 6 June at the Seshego Stadium, Polokwane to go with the more than 30 career titles he has already won. Zebediela-born Aphane clocked 31:15 to secure a narrow two second victory over Layvern Abrahams, as Nobert Svubure took third in 32:01. According to Aphane, who runs in the colours of Nedbank Running Club, the Kasi 10km formed part of his preparation for next month’s Athletics South Africa’s championships.

Aphane is all smiles after winning yet another 10km race in Limpopo. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"The race was nice and well-organised. I am happy with my time because it is cold now. We do not achieve fast times. In summer we are fast, but in winter we easily catch cold," he told #TheTopRunner. "I am preparing for the ASA championships which were meant to be hosted in the Eastern Cape on 27 June 2026. I’ll be representing our province (Limpopo)."

As ASA's 17 provinces await word on where the national 21km championships will take place after Eastern Province withdrew as hosts, Apahane will simply continue training as he works towards his long term goal of competing in the Comrades Marathon one day.

Over 250 runners and walkers took part in the event which comprised a 10km race and a street mile. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I started running a long time ago while I was a primary school learner at Gauta Jonathan in Moletlane, Zebediela. I am taking it step by step. I am not running Comrades now but I am going to run it one day," says the 22-year-old who produced 30:55 to finish in 19th position at the 2025 ASA 10km Championships in Bloemfontein last November.

In the women's race, teenage sensation Matlou Phaho took the title after she crossed the finish line in a time of 41:17. Phaho who is still a learner at Mahoai High School in Ga-Mahoai, Ga-Matlala finished more than a minute clear of runner-up Refiloe Masipa who clocked 42:53, while Mancha Mothomogolo rounded out the podium in 43:43.

Matlou poses with her gold medal after wining the Kasi 10 in Polokwane on 6 June. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I do not know what to say, I feel happy," said shy 15-year-old who runs for the Masai Athletic Club and is mentored by multiple Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya. "It took me two weeks to prepare for this race because I was sick. I am not happy with my time at all. I must train harder. Caster is one of the people that gives us courage and it works a lot."