Long-distance runner Kesa Molotsane attributes her achievements in athletic track and road running to the positive influence by her mother, Shani.
The talented athlete has revealed this, paying special homage to her influential mother against the backdrop of recognition given to women for their role in society during Women’s Month.
Molotsane (26) said her mother never becomes tired of supporting her in her sporting career, as well as morally and educationally.
“It might sound like a cliché, but my mother has taught me so much and I have learnt enough from her to survive anything. She has played the biggest role in my career and made it a priority in her life even before it (the athletics career) blossomed,” Molotsane said.
“My mother has invested so much. She was present at the start and to this day she is still there for me.”
The runner said her mother remained the most important woman in her life.
Molotsane, a BA honours student at the University of the Free State (UFS), has a good 12 months behind her. She is the Spar Grand Prix 10 km champion of last year, and is the national student champion in the 5 000 m and 10 000 m. She was the best South African performer at the Confederation of African Athletics African Cross-Country Championships.
“Improvement and growth motivates me big time. It’s a way of weighing my efforts and hard work. I am inspired by a lot of things, depending on what situation I am in and the inspiration I’m looking for. I believe in and value inspiration in abundance.”
According to Molotsane, representing her country at the World Cross Country Championships in Uganda in March 2017 was the biggest accomplishment of her career.
“It was my first time at a world championship and I was the first South African to cross the finishing line. I want to leave a legacy and touch lives using my God-given talent and gift.”