Motsau and Molahloe favourites to take SA 10km titles in Potch

In the absence of the men's title holder Chris Mhlanga, and as many of South Africa’s top 10km performers race the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km and Boxer Super Run 5km this weekend (18 October) followed by the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K and Thembisa Mile 10km next weekend (25 October), the stage is set for a new national champion to emerge at the Athletics South Africa 10km Championships on Saturday 17 October. Incorporated into the annual LetsGoPotch 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km event which takes place at the North West Cricket Oval in  Potchefstroom, the national 10km championships will pit some experienced athletes against a host of rising stars eager to make a name for themselves.

Running in the colours of host province Athletics Central North West (ACNW), former national 3 000m record holder Jerry Motsau stands out among the favourites. The 36-year-old who won the national 5 000m title on the track in Stellenbosch earlier this year will be looking to secure his second SA title of the season. The veteran, who also won the SA 1500m title in 2024, explains the secret to his ageless success.

Matsau will be banking on his 5000m speed to propel him to a maiden national 10km title. Photo Credit: Supplied.

“The secret to my success this year is that I have been consistent. Not being able to run at your best because of injury or illness is really heartbreaking so it’s wonderful to train without any interruptions. I’m also part of a great team at The Potch Track Club. The team spirit is great. We are like a family - we support each other.”

Motsau who is coached by Jean Verster and trains alongside SA Marathon record holder Elroy Gelant should find that his toughest challenge, at least on paper, comes from Pakiso Mthembu. A sub 29 minute 10km runner at his best, the KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) top runner goes into the race in decent form after clocking 30:32 on a hilly course at altitude to take 15th position at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on 24 September.

Molahloe has enjoyed a productive 2026 which has included six new personal best clockings over 800m, 1500m, the road mile, 5000m, 10km and the half marathon. Photo Credit: KZNA Media.

Among the women, 26-year-old Ntsoaki Molahloe of KZNA will start as the outright favourite in the absence of defending champion and SA record holder Tayla Kavanagh, former SA Record holder Glenrose Xaba and the likes of Karabo More, Cacisile Sosibo and Karabo Mailula. Molahloe who holds a 10km personal best of 33:34, and she will be confident of securing her first SA title. The Phantane AC athlete who won the Ntenga Foundation 10km in Durban on National Heritage Day will need to be wary of Carina Swiegers will be aiming to cause an upset.

The 31-year-old athlete, who has won the national 3 000m steeplechase title on the track for the last three years in a row, is fresh off a new 34:26 10km personal best clocked at the SPAR Women’s Challenge Gqeberha on 26 September. Armed with a 2:05.66 800m lifetime best, the Athletics Gauteng North athlete will rely on her versatility and back her strong finishing speed if the race turns out to be slow and tactical.