Mzansi 400m hurdles sprinter Sokwakhana Zazini has set his sights on securing the national record in the upcoming World Athletics Continental Tour next week.

The South African champion will represent the country at the Botswana Grand Prix, World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Label meeting on 29 April.

Just after making 49.54 seconds to claim the ASA Grand Prix 2 Continental Tour Challenger at Germiston Stadium on Wednesday, ‘Socks’ remains an ambitious athlete.

The 23-year-old runner is under the tutelage of veteran coach Irma Reyneke and he is upbeat that he can break the South African record of 47.66 set by LJ van Zyl in Ostrava, Czech Republic back in 2011.

As his personal best stands at 48.78, Zazini explained that for him, it’s all about chasing the South African record.

He said anything that comes now, he will be up for it and noted that he has been struggling with a lot of things off the track.

“I guess those things are behind me. My mental health is very good now, I’m at a good place, good coach, everything is good and I hardly get injuries,” he said per SABC Sport.

Based on the report, the talented sprinter hit two hurdles at the back and the final hurdle, losing crucial seconds that could have seen him run under 49 seconds.

In addition, he admitted that the race was the worst for him thus far but he is aware that it is all part of the game.

“Of course, you are going to knock some hurdles. I just have to stay focused and maintain the same speed,” he added.

He hopes to clear the hurdles without a glitch and run a faster time and he emphasised that sharpening his focus is his mission.

He concluded that maintaining his composure, calmness, and focus will be key heading to Botswana as he aims for bigger things.

Main Image: Sokwakhana Zazini/TheSouthAfrican