Moses Kipsiro can beat the world over 10,000 metres - a race he rarely competes in, Ugandan coach Benjamin Longiross, believes. Kipsiro produced a marvelous performance to win silver in the 25-lap race at the ongoing Africa Senior Championships here on Wednesday night.

It was only the second time the 24-year-old runner was featuring in the race at international level, the first one being at the Africa Senior Championships in Mauritius four years ago. He surprisingly won gold in Mauritius but has since concentrated on the shorter 5,000 metres.

"I am very convinced Kipsiro can do better in 10,000m than the 5,000m," a thrilled Longiross said after watching Kipsiro record a new personal best 27:33.37. Only Boniface Kiprop has run faster, posting a national record of 26.39.77 in 2005.

But with Kiprop fading off the scene due to injuries and other personal problems, Longiross reckons Kipsiro can take over the mantle as Uganda's king over the distance. "As he grows older, 10,000m will be his ideal race. He can continue running the 5,000m for speed purposes but dedicate more energy to 10,000m," the coach reasoned.

Kipsiro shocked the field at Nyao stadium, keeping behind the pack as Kenyans and Ethiopians battled for supremacy in thrilling style that kept the two countries' fans on their toes. As the race got into the latter stages, the Ethiopians ran out of steam with their biggest medal hope Sileshi Sihine dropping out. Three Kenyans Wilson Kiprop, Joseph Mutai and Mathew Kisorio took to the front, prompting ear-deafening cheers. That was before Kipsiro strode in to spoil the party, finishing only behind Wilson Kiprop (27:32.91).

Kiplagat next in line

Benjamin Kiplagat is a very daring and confident runner. Even when the world expects little from him, he always believes in himself. The 21-year-old Ugandan runner has always dreamt of winning a medal since he turned senior two years back and there can't be a better stage for him to shine than at the ongoing Africa Senior Championships.

Kiplagat steps on track in the men's 3000m steeplechase this evening knowing he is one of Uganda's few remaining medal prospects after all the sprinters were eliminated yesterday.