"The hard work is paying off" - Maisa and Molopi earn first national titles at SA 10km Champs
Zanele Maisa will look back at 2026 with nothing but gratitude and as her most successful year to date after achieving two major milestones. She realised a lifelong dream earlier this year when she represented South Africa at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in the USA in January, and now the 30-year old Waterfall AC athlete has won her first national title. The Kwa-Thema resident clinched the women’s ASA 10km championships title, incorporated into the LetsGo Potch Road Race, in scorching conditions in Potchefstroom on October 17, clocking 35:44 to win the title she had been chasing since 2017.
"It was an incredible feeling crossing the finish line in first place and realizing I had become a national champion. Earning my national colours and representing my country at the World Cross-Country Championships was already a dream come true. To follow that up with my first national title makes this year even more special. It's a moment I'll always cherish because of all the hard work, sacrifices and dedication that went into getting here. Winning my first national title is very special and it has motivated me to keep pushing myself and believing in what I can achieve," said Maisa who ran the race in the colours of Central Gauteng Athletics.
Athletics Gauteng North's Bianca Stoltz who was the first junior woman to cross the finish line, took silver in 36:10, followed by her AGN teammate Tinyiko Ndala, who completed the top three in 36:52. Reflecting on her performance, Maisa said extreme heat made the race particularly demanding, requiring patience, smart pacing and mental resilience.
"It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster, especially with the extreme heat making the race even more challenging. I knew I had to be smart and patient, manage my energy and not get carried away too early. There were moments when it got tough but I kept reminding myself to stay focused, trust my training and take the race one step at a time. I had to dig deep and keep pushing even when my body was feeling the pressure. Crossing the finish line first made all those difficult moments worthwhile," she told #TheTopRunner
She described this achievement as further proof that the countless hours of training at the Kwa-Thema Stadium are paying off. Maisa, who is an alumna of Sibonisiwe Primary and Mom Seboni Secondary in Duduza, is determined to build on this success.
"These achievements show me that the hard work is paying off. They give me confidence that I’m moving in the right direction. I’m grateful for the opportunities I've had, as well as the support from my coaches, family and everyone who has been part of my journey. It's a big milestone for me. I also see it as motivation to work even harder. My goal is to keep making myself and supporters proud, and hopefully represent my country on the international stage again."
In the men's race, Tiisang Molopi of Athletics North West North (ANWN) clocked 29:46 to win his first national title, edging AGN's Neil van der Merwe in a sprint finish as both men were credited with the same finish time. KZNA's Pakiso Mthembu took the bronze medal in 30:00.
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