Coaches hail Cheptegei

Aug 05, 2017

Longiros said Cheptegei paid for what he lost at the World Cross Country in Kampala in March.

Silver medallist Uganda's Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei (L), gold medallist Britain's Mo Farah  (C) and bronze medallist Kenya's Paul Kipngetich Tanui (R) pose on the podium. AFP PHOTO

Joshua Cheptegei is already eyeing a second World Championship medal.

Cheptegei, who won silver in the 10,000m on the opening day of the world meet, will also run the 5000m.

"He is in great shape and can also make it to the podium in his next race," said coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe.

Cheptegei made history on Friday night when he became the first Ugandan to win a medal at senior level of the world meet in the 10,000m race.

Rafael Kasaja, one of Cheptegei's previous coaches, also believes his former athlete can shine again.

"I expected a medal in the 10,000m. I told him to go for a personal best and he did exactly that," stated Kasaja.

Kasaja, who described the 10,000m final as a cracker, said Chepetegei might have got exhausted by the opening race but noted that won't stop him from excelling also in the 5000m.

 Silver medallist Uganda's Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei (L), gold medallist Britain's Mo Farah  (C) and bronze medallist Kenya's Paul Kipngetich Tanui (R) pose on the podium . AFP PHOTO

"The silver will drive to even more glory. But even more important he has also now seen his competitors' weaknesses," Kasaja said.

Kasaja also pointed at the money factor saying, "With $60,000 (sh218m) up for grabs for gold, who wouldn't want to win more money?"

Veteran coach Benjamin Longiros was after Cheptegei's performance overcome with joy saying "I am too happy. What a great way to start off a championship."

Longiros said Cheptegei paid for what he lost at the World Cross Country in Kampala in March. Longiros is predicting an even better future.

"Mo Farah's days are numbered. All that Cheptegei now has to work on is his final kick and the world will be at his feet," said Longiros.

After the qualifying round of the 5000m on Wednesday, the final will be on the championship's last day.

The other Ugandan Esther Chebet finished 14th position in the 1,500m.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});