ASA embarks on a new strategy
Athletics South Africa (ASA) has recognized the resurgence in middle and long distance running in the country and has plans in place to embark on a new strategy to ensure that the country's middle and long distance runners will be well prepared for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Cross country running will play a major part in these plans and the four full strength teams departing today to the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Amman, Jordan, will herald the start of the new strategy.
The preparation of the team, unlike previous years, already took a different turn this year. Team members in the provisional squad participated in the Yellow Pages Series, Southern Region Cross Country Championships in Mauritius as well as at the Yellow Pages SA Senior Championships.
Immediately after the final selection of the team, team members went into a short training camp at Potchefstroom and ASA obtained the services of a well-known coach from Kenya, Danson Gichure, to assist the team in its final preparations. Mr. Gichure will also accompany the team to Jordan and on his return will submit his assessment and recommendations for the way forward to ASA.
“In future teams for the World Cross Country Championships will be announced one month in advance and team members will immediately go into a training camp to prepare for the World Championships” said Leonard Chuene, ASA President.
ASA plans to organize a meeting with local coaches after receipt of the assessment and recommendations of Mr. Gichure to procure their support to ensure the success of the new strategy which could lead to new found success for the country in middle and long distance running.
Included in the four teams are some of the best middle and long distance athletes in the country and consist a mixture of athletes with experience of international cross country running and new talent.
TEAM TO THE IAAF WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD IN AMMAN, JORDAN ON 28 MARCH 2009
SENIOR MEN
1. Boy Soke AFS
2. Stephen Mokoka AVT
3. Tshamano Setone CGA
4. Sibusiso Nzima CGA
5. Jeffrey Gwebu CGA
6. Kgosi Tsosane ACNW
SENIOR WOMEN
1. Lebo Phalula CGA
2. Annerien van Schalkwyk AGN
3. Tebogo Masehla CGA
4. Myrette Filmater AGN
5. Lebogang Phalula CGA
JUNIOR GIRLS
1. Ashleigh Schnettler CGA
2. Letitia Saayman CGA
3. Maxine Heine Wacker AGN
4. Nandipha Dywili ATRA
5. Anneke Geldenhuys CGA
6. Zinhle Sinqe CGA
JUNIOR BOYS
1. Sithyilo Diko ATRA
2. Mfumaneko Fadane CGA
3. Vuyisile Tshoba ACNW
4. Windy Jonas CGA
5. Joel Monne KZNA
6. Folavia Sehohle ATRA
