(At Zakhele Sports Ground)
MANZINI – The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) delivered a dominant performance yesterday at the Yesuka Twe Half Marathon in Manzini.
The fifth edition of the race, organised by Voice of the Church (VOC) radio station and Zithande Athletics Club, attracted a record number of runners, breaking the 1 000-participant mark. Among those taking part was Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency services (ENFRES) Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba.
However, it was the UEDF athletes who ruled the roads. The military side swept the top five positions in the men’s 21km race, underlining their supremacy.
Sipho Mamba stormed to victory in the men’s half marathon, clocking one hour, two minutes and 36 seconds. The victory ended the two-year reign of his teammate Melusi Khumalo. Clearly emotional as he crossed the finish line, Mamba said the weather conditions were ideal and that he still had more to give, adding that he races against the clock rather than his opponents.
Meanwhile, Ncamiso Hlatjwako finished second, with Colani Ndlela in third. Notokozo Nkonyane placed fourth, while defending champion Melusi Khumalo had to settle for fifth as the UEDF dominated the road.
In the women’s race, 18-year-old sensation Sanelisiwe Mphaphu produced another superb performance to dethrone three-time champion Thobile Ngwenyama of Correctional Services Athletics Club.
Mphaphu won in one hour, 22 minutes and 37 seconds, with Ngwenyama taking second. Nongcebo Mathabela of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) finished third.
Mphaphu described the hilly route as challenging, but said she was thrilled with her victory. She added that she took the lead early and focused on running her own race to achieve her target time as she opned a four-minute margin with her runner-up.
On the other note, Mancoba Sangweni defended his title in the men’s 10km, while Amahle Mathunywa emerged as the new women’s 10km champion. In the 5km race, Mayibongwe Vilakati won the men’s category and Siniketiwe Vilakati claimed victory in the women’s event.
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