MBABANE – Ex-Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Sea Birds star Chief Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze has ventured into athletics to keep fit.
The Mahlalini Chiefdom leader raced in a 10km event under a sweltering heat last Saturday. He featured at the iconic Somhlolo National Stadium when Eswatini’s mother-of-all marathons dubbed Imbube took place. At this race, over 200 runners booked slots in the 2026 Comrades Marathon to be staged in South Africa (SA).
“The race was okay but a bit tough. It was okay because I managed to finish. It was my first time racing. It is all about wellness and health because I am a sports person. I know the importance of training and keeping your body healthy. As long as the race is still on and God willing, I am racing again next year,” he stressed.
Over 6 000 runners dominated by locals challenged themselves under a scorching heat in four categories, namely 42km, 21km, 10km and 3.3km. Participation in the prestigious Imbube Marathon has surged by over 4 000 in less than 10 years.
The annual marathon attracts runners from various countries, including the United States, Belgium, Australia and several African nations such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Kenya and Morocco.
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