REPS DUO NETS OVER E100K

LOBAMBA – Historic!  
That is how one might characterise the extraordinary performance of emaSwati in the sixth edition of the Imbube Marathon. The formidable duo from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), Mancoba Nhlabatsi and Samkelisiwe Tfwala, collectively amassed an impressive E108 570 during the marathon, which commenced and concluded at Somhlolo National Stadium, yesterday. Nhlabatsi triumphed, securing E70 000 for being the overall winner of the 42.2km race and the first liSwati to cross the finish line. The overall winner was entitled to E35 000, while the first liSwati also received the same amount. Tfwala claimed the title of first liSwati in the ladies’ category, earning a prize package of E35 000, while finishing fifth overall in the women’s category carried an additional reward of E3 500.

third

Interestingly, Nhlabatsi had participated in the 21.1km event last year, finishing in third place and earning a modest E2 500, with a time of 01:11:27. His earnings this year surged by an astounding E67 500. The overall winner of the 42.2km event last year was South Africa’s Siphamandla Nkosi, who completed the race in 02:31:29, but was absent from this year’s edition. This time, Nhlabatsi upgraded to the main race and clinched victory with a time of 02:34:04, reflecting a slight slowdown of three minutes compared to the previous year’s winner’s time.Tfwala, a police officer, had won the first liSwati title last year, finishing seventh overall in the female category with a time of 03:15:06.

Last year, she earned E31 800, marking a commendable increase of E6 700 this year, despite finishing the race in 03:40:11, which indicates a slight slowdown of about 25 minutes. The overall winner in the ladies’ category last year was Zimbabwe’s Loveness Madziva, who finished in 03:00:03, while this year it was Kenya’s Rholex Kogo, who completed the race in 02:57:02, surpassing last year’s time by at least three minutes to earn herself E35 000. Madziva secured second place in this year’s edition with a time of 03:09:56, earning E15 000.
Nhlabatsi, who earns his livelihood through running and has expressed challenges in securing a job, has resolved to concentrate solely on his athletic career. He expressed his elation at winning the marathon after transitioning from the 21.1km to the main race. “I believe that participating in international races has significantly enhanced my development.

That is where I learnt the intricacies of marathon running, and winning numerous races has ignited my spirit and drive to succeed whenever I set my sights on a competition,” Nhlabatsi stated. He is the same athlete who proudly represented the country by winning the Palau Half Marathon in a time of 01:11:48, held in Taiwan, last June. The REPS athlete also secured silver in the Corrida Azulu Marathon in Maputo, Mozambique last year in September and triumphed in local races, including the Ngwenya Half Marathon, Lubombo Half Marathon and VOC Half Marathon. This year, he has already claimed victory in the Kwamagogo Half Marathon and the Lubombo Marathon. Nhlabatsi was also nominated for the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), alongside South Africa’s rugby star Siya Kolisi, for Sportsman of the Year.

“This is a monumental achievement for me, and I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported my career. The route was challenging, but I knew that if I remained focused, I could overcome the competition. I was aware of the formidable international athletes present, but I was prepared. I had already envisioned winning this race and was determined to execute my plan when the time came,” he remarked. When asked how he would utilise his winnings, he mentioned his intention to establish a business and further his studies in athletics, specifically in technical training and coaching. Meanwhile, Tfwala expressed her satisfaction with her performance, attributing her success to rigorous training and unwavering determination.

“You may recall that last year I finished seventh overall and this time I achieved a top-five position. I performed well and improved. I am pleased with my performance and aim to excel even further next year.” She also expressed her gratitude to REPS and her coaches for their support in helping her achieve this milestone. The overall winner, Kenya’s Rholex Kogo, who finished in a time of 02:57:02, described the race as particularly challenging, especially the Malagwane hills. “I came prepared, but the hills were taxing, and I had to summon my strength to conquer them. The route was well-marked and the water points were sufficient to keep us hydrated. I want to thank my coach, friends and family who came to Eswatini to support me,” she said.

attracted

The 42km event attracted over 400 participants out of the 6 000 who registered for the overall race. In the 21km, Abednigo Mashaba emerged victorious with a time of 01:08:55, while Correctional’s Thobile Ngwenyama finished first in the ladies’ category with a time of 01:34:23, both received E10 000 each for their efforts. In the 10km, Prince Ndlovu was the overall winner with a time of 00:31:29, while Nomvula Sithole excelled in the ladies’ category with a time of 00:39:24, each received E7 500. In the 3.3km, Themba Shongwe won with a time of 00:10:15, and Dudu Nxumalo triumphed in the ladies’ category with a time of 00:15:48, they were both awarded E3 000 each for their commendable achievements. The main race’s route once again led the runners to Mbabane via the notorious Malagwane hill before returning to the starting point at Lobamba.

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