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TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
‘This year I am not here to walk': Dijana out to fix mistakes in 2025 Comrades
Two-time Comrades marathon champion Tete Dijana says his excited at the opportunity to rectify what happened in last year's up run in this year's race on Sunday. Dijana was speaking during the media briefing ahead of the 98th staging of the world's oldest ultra-marathon on Thursday. Sunday's down run starts at Pietermaritzburg City Hall and ends at the People's Park outside Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Dijana said after the last year's race was marred by his cramping that saw him walking to the end, he had watched videos shared on social media. 'When I was watching some of the videos, I heard one of the coaches telling their athletes, 'Tete is walking'. This year I am not here to walk,' he said. Dijana is convinced no record will be broken come Sunday. The athlete who runs in the green of the elite Nedbank Running Club that dominates Comrades and shares the North West as a home province with 2019 winner Edward Mothibi, said clinching top honours would encourage the youth of the province. This sprint finish between Tete Dijana and Piet Wiersma was epic! 😮💨 #MoreThanAClub #Comrades2023 — Nedbank Sport (@nedbanksport) June 11, 2023 Dijana expressed gratitude to those who have rallied behind him to bounce back in the 2025 race. 'I will really dedicate my Comrades to those people who have supported me because last year I was really down.' Dutch 2024 champion Piet Wiersman was optimistic of his prospects of defending his title. As in 2024, he arrives fresh from a training camp at altitude in Kenya. Mothiba made his first Comrades 2018 down run where he finished fourth. The next year he caused a stir by winning the up run at its Scottsville racecourse finish. This became a memorable feat for Mahikeng-born athlete who overtook a three-time champion Bongumusa Mthembu for victory. Mthembu, who runs for the Arthur Ford athletics club, was absent during Thursday's star-studded press briefing. Mothibi, who also suffered a setback last year when placed 16th, said while he was left frustrated by that run, he remains as motivated as ever to replicated past results. [WATCH] South Africa's Gerda Steyn wins the 2024 women's Comrades Marathon. #DStv403 #eNCA — eNCA (@eNCA) June 9, 2024 'Failure does not mean you cannot go back and do it again. Pressure will always be there but you just have to be calm,' he said. Another contender who hopes to do well in this year's Comrades is 2025 Two Oceans champion Onalenna Khonkhobe. He said he plans to start the race upfront in this year's race. 'I am here to learn a lot from Comrades. But in three years to four years I will win Comrades back-to-back because it is my show,' he said to applause. Women's champion Gerda Steyn has done it all as winner of the 2019, 2023 and 2024 races, also holding the down (5hrs 44min 54sec) and up (5:49:46) run records. 'I try and find a way in which I think about how can I be better then I was last year,' she said. Steyn said coming into the race as defending champion comes with pressure. 'For me it's about the way you process the word 'pressure'. Whenever I hear the word I see it as 'support'. 'Not really pressure, but it's them [the public and her supporters] wanting me to succeed. Having the faith and belief in me that there is a chance in me succeeding in the race. 'I feel like we are athletes but we are also entertainers. There is a little bit of tactics involved. 'It makes for great watching and it brings a bit of light into our sports and its always something that I love when watching sports.' Steyn says she knows well the capabilities of her competitors very well. 'I am not unaware of it and I find it exciting.' Making her debut in the race is Irvette Van Zyl, 37, of Hollywood Athletics Club, who said she is excited to fulfil something so high on her to-do list. 'I am nervous but I am looking forward to it. Maybe one day I will come back and do the down run because it was actually in my plans to start with the up run. I am excited and let's see what happens,' she said=. Comrades board chair Mqondisi Ngcobo said in their preparations they reached out to Moses Mabhida Stadium to host the finish but due to ongoing repair construction at the facility it was impossible for that to happen. He said in the past the association had taken a flak from some athletes who complained about having to climb the stairs into the Stadium after in a grueling finish to the race. 'It is one of the things we paid attention to from our athletes when we got the feedback,' he said.
IOL News
15 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
The 'Happy Bunch' seek redemption at Comrades after dizzying setback
Edward Mothibi celebrates after winning the 2019 Comrades Marathon. Photo: SIBONELO NGCOBO Independent Newspapers Image: SIBONELO NGCOBO Independent Newspapers The Nedbank Running Club's training group, fondly referred to as The Happy Bunch, are looking to regain their joy at this year's Comrades Marathon following a forgettable outing in the 2024 Up Run. The 2024 edition of The Ultimate Human Race is sure to be chalked up by the group as an episode in their illustrious Comrades story best forgotten. Save for Dan Matshailwe finishing runner-up and Joseph Manyedi coming in fourth, there were no other gold medals for the group, who are accustomed to dominating the top ten. The duo have since left the group, leaving former champions Edward Mothibi and Tete Dijana, along with multiple gold medallist Johannes Makgetla, to carry the torch – the trio having 'seen dust' last year. For reasons still baffling to them, they – along with Galaletsang Mekgoe, who finished fourth in 2022 – all suffered dizzy spells during the race. Dijana, champion back-to-back in 2022 and 2023, was the worst affected – the sight of him hobbling along the road as his legs turned to jelly a sad, lingering memory from last year's race. He finished in 14th place. Mothibi did not fare quite as badly, but he too struggled inexplicably and ended up finishing two places behind Dijana. They are still reeling from what happened last year, despite Mothibi and Makgetla's assertions that 'we are over it'. The disappointment of failing to achieve a hat-trick of victories still lingers, and what hurts Dijana most is missing out on a green number. 'If I had won last year, I was going to get a green number,' Dijana lamented. 'But something happened that I still cannot explain. "I felt dizzy early in the race and later, my legs just could not carry me. It's painful. "Of course, I cannot say someone did me dirty. The reality is, though, you can't help having your suspicions. It's in the past, and we're looking forward to doing better this time.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mothibi was also robbed of his green number. 'I was going for my fifth successive gold, and my plan was to finish in the Top 10 – then I would have got a green number. That was part of my plan. "Now I'm back to scratch chasing the green number, like all normal runners. What happened last year spoils the history I would have made at Comrades. Five successive gold medals is something people would have spoken about for seven years.' Makgetla says he felt dizzy from the 60 km mark and was shocked to catch up with Dijana during the race, only to find they were all suffering from the same symptoms. 'Last year was very bad, but I'm over all that. I've been through a lot in life, and this is just one more issue I've brushed aside. "I'm ready to go for it again this year. I've not been as fit as I currently am, and I'm aiming for a top ten. What happened last year messed up my plans – I had hoped this would be my last Comrades, but now I'll have to do another one.' Mekgoe, on the other hand, has had a tough time since that incredible fifth-place rookie finish, which left many expecting her to become the first black woman to win the Comrades. The 28-year-old has not come close to gold since and was tearful during our interview in the chilly, quaint tourist town in Mpumalanga. She attributes her struggles to the pressure of being a breadwinner. 'Everything is on me at home. My family depends on me, and I've always run under pressure, knowing I had to provide. It's been very tough. "I always felt I couldn't let them down, and that affected my running. I didn't run with freedom. As if that wasn't enough, I've also struggled with injuries in recent years,' Mekgoe says, before sharing a sad tale of her family's situation. While she previously relied solely on the monthly stipend from the Nedbank Running Club, she is now better off financially, having found a job in a mine in Carletonville. But although this has eased her financial burdens, it has robbed her of the time to train as an elite athlete. She now goes into the Comrades somewhat undercooked, her preparations not having been as thorough as in the past.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Chasing dreams: Joseph Manyedi steps up on journey to Comrades Marathon podium
Joseph Manyedi, seen in action at the Two Oceans Marathon, is upbeat about his chances in the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied Maxed Elite Running Club star Joseph Manyedi will be chasing the dream in this year's Comrades Marathon down run on Sunday, hoping to take the giant step onto the podium after finishing fourth in last year's race. The Rustenburg-based road running ace fancies his chances after last year's personal best time of 5:28:33 saw him finish behind race winner Piet Wiersma of the Netherlands (5:25:00), Dan Moselakwe (5:25:45) and Degefa Yohannese Lafebo of Ethiopia (5:27:48). It was his fourth consecutive gold medal in eight races so far, and his best finish in The Ultimate Human Race. The four-time gold medallist, who has been a runner for more than 20 years, joined the Mr Price Sport-backed Maxed Elite Running Club from the Nedbank Running Club earlier this year. 'I feel strong and focused. Training has gone well, and mentally I'm in a good space. I'm excited to give it everything on race day,' Manyedi told Independent Media Sport exclusively. 'Preparations have been intense but structured. We've focused on both volume and quality to peak at the right time. Joseph Mayedi will be hoping to give his Maxed Elite Running Club a rare podium finish at the 2025 Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Endurance has been a major focus this year, especially for the down run. But I've also worked hard on sharpening my speed in the final months leading up to the race. 'For the down run, I do more quad-strengthening workouts, long downhill sessions, and pacing control. The up run is more about hill strength and maintaining rhythm.' Manyedi gives a lot of credit to current coach Peter Gaebetse, whom he feels brings 'elite-level structure and experience to my programme'. 'His training has pushed me to a new level, and being guided by someone who understands Comrades inside out has made a huge difference.' The veteran runner showed his humility when asked how confident he is of winning the race, or where he expects the biggest challenge to come from. 'I'm confident in my preparation and experience. I know the course well and believe in my ability to execute a strong race plan. With God's grace, anything is possible,' he said. 'The field is always stacked with top talent and a few rising stars. But I focus more on my own race than my competitors.'
The Herald
28-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Frans, Solomons triumph in Motherwell Freedom Run
Melikhaya Frans and Refeleo Solomons won the men's and women's 10km race in the Motherwell Freedom Run, which finished at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre on Saturday. Ikhamva Athletics Club road runner Frans crossed the finish line in 29 minutes and 53 seconds. Andile Motwana of Nedbank Running Club finished second in 30:24, and Ikhamva's Sinawo Poti, 30:48 was third. 'People came in their numbers this year as compared to last year, so it was a beautiful race,' Frans said. 'I had a plan ahead of the race to win again this year, like when I won the race in three consecutive years. This is now my fourth Motherwell Freedom Run title. 'I think in the history of the race, I am the athlete who has won it the most times. 'The race was well organised, and the race is growing every year. I was also happy to see my training partner Sinawo finish in third place on Saturday, it's been nine years training together. 'The race was also part of my preparations for an upcoming international race that I'll be taking part in this year. So, winning the Motherwell Freedom Run on Saturday confirms to me that I am on the right track fitness-wise and speed-wise.' Frans did not want to give much information on his upcoming international itinerary. In the women's race, Nedbank Running Club's Solomons was the first home in 36:46. Kayla Nell of Charlo came second in 37:05, and Bianca Meistre of 32GI claimed third in 38:49. The Herald
The Citizen
21-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Don't miss out, enter now for the Colgate Race
Don't miss out, enter now for the Colgate Race Time is running out for local runners to enter for the Colgate Race on May 4 at the Boksburg Stadium. The Boksburg Athletic Club invites runners of all fitness levels and community members who want to run their first road race to enter. The race includes the main 32km race, a double lapper around Boksburg South, Parkrand, CBD and parts of Boksburg East, as well as the 15km and 5km fun run. Twins Carol and Cobie Smith clinched first and second place in the women's race while Clifford Malatjie clocked 01:50:06 to win the men's race at last year's event. Qhubeka AC's Kabelo Mwahla and Gillian Farquharson, formerly of Nedbank Running Club, won the men's and women's 15km events, while Silas Matlou and Trinity Henning clinched the 5km bragging rights. The entry fee for the 32km is R350 and R250 for the 15km. To run the 5km race, you will pay R130 and the first 7 000 entrants will receive goodie bags and a T-shirt. The first 3 000 finishers in the 32km and 15km will receive medals. To enter, go to or email info@ for more information. ALSO CHECK: Libraries adjust operating hours to help learners ALSO CHECK: Installing speed humps without approval is a crime, says Ekurhuleni At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
