MBABANE – They are an absolute force to be reckoned with.
Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) Athletics Club are establishing themselves as the powerhouses on the local road-racing circuit, showing rivals a clean pair of heels across the country’s road races.
This surge in form has been particularly evident in the men’s division this season, with the army side putting on a masterclass performance at the inaugural Nhlangano Half Marathon on August 22. Out of the 18 total podium places up for grabs across three race distances, they flexed their muscles to conquer eight.
The men’s short-course event, 5km, set the tone for the day. Wonderboy Mdluli had blistering pace, stopping the clock at 19:58 minutes to claim gold. His teammate Nhlanhla Maphalala bagged silver in 20:45 minutes, while Samkeliso Simelane rounded off the top three just five seconds later to complete a military blockade at the peak of the standings.
Meanwhiele, the 10km race was a slightly tougher terrain for the army side. They only achieved one podium place, with Mphatsi Mndzebele winning a silver medal in the men’s category.
His teammates, Musawenkhosi Mamba and Andile Dlamini, came agonisingly close to a podium finishes, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Eurender Dlamini also experienced a similar fate, missing out on a podium finish by just 51 seconds.
In the 21km race, UEDF once again proved dominant. The country’s full marathon specialist Ntokozo Nkonyane proved he is in a league of his own, bringing home a third consecutive half-marathon gold medal. Hot in his heels was Andile Dlamini and Melusi Khumalo, who finished second and third, respectively, to ensure sheer dominance for the army team.
Over in the women’s 21km, the steadily improving Gugu Mthembu continued her fine trajectory on the tar this season, locking down a bronze medal and bring UEDF’s total tally for the day to eight podium finishes.
Worth noting is that the tides shifted and hinged toward the army side early in the year, with many top-tier runners passing through their military recruitment exercise. Although these top athletes sit on the sidelines without competing since June due to their full enrolment at training, the remaining squad members performed brilliantly.
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