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Masondo Qualifies for South African 2026 World XC Championship Team

Sports

October 3rd, 2025 by Christian Adams

PRETORIA, South Africa – Iowa State senior Sanele Masondo competed in the World XC Championship trials for South Africa on Friday. Masondo finished third overall and qualified for his first world team with a time of 30:24.00 in the 10K race.
Masondo, an Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal native, raced against 98 other men for a spot on the world team for South Africa. After a great start off the line, Masondo stayed in the front pack of 15 runners after the first of the five 2K loops on the course. In the next 2K loop, Masondo was able to attach himself to the front two runners and work together with the lead group until about 7K when he pushed the pace up and brought the group down to five men.
The final 2K loop included a few surges from multiple runners, but Masondo maintained his spot in third and qualified for his first world team for South Africa with a time of 30:24.00.
Individual Results (Top 15) – USSA Cross Country Championships & ASA Trials
1. Matlakala Seloyi, CGA, 30:09.00; 2. Elroy Gelant, ACNW, 30:18.00; 3. Sanele Masondo, KZNA, 30:24.00; 4. Chris Mhlanga, CGA, 30:39.00; 5. Musawenkosi Mnisi, AGN, 30:49.00; 6. Jayde Roslee, AGN, 30:58.00; 7. Tshepo Mphulanyane, TUKS, 31:37.00; 8. Kabelo Melamu, CGA, 31:37.89; 9. Themba Thigane, UJ, 31:40.00; 10. Cwenga Nose, KZNA, 31:46.00; 11. Amogelang Tatai, NWUPC, 31:49.00; 12. Sibusiso Msibi, UJ, 31:56.00; 13. Tebogo Segalalgala, AGN, 32:16.00; 14. Lungelo Khumalo, KZNA, 32:19.00; 15. Anthony Timoteus, BOLA, 32:26.00
Up Next
No. 1 Iowa State travels to Madison for the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitation on October 17. The men’s 8K is scheduled to begin at 11:10 a.m.