Mosiako and Mbhele win Nquthu race
Top short distance runners Thabang Mosiako and Janet Mbhele won the male and female categories of the 2nd Annual Nquthu 10km Race and Fun Run at Nquthu Stadium in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 08/04/18, respectively. The duo each walked away with R10 000 first prize money.
The race also incorporated a 5km Fun Run, which attracted many young people from the area and district. The event was organised by the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation in collaboration with Nquthu Municipality and local athletics clubs.
Mosiako led the men’s race from the start and it was no surprise when he finished first in 33:00 minutes ahead of second placed Meshack Sithole who clocked (33:06) and Slindile Gubese (33:34) who came third.
Mbhele, who is in currently in excellent form, did not disappoint when she won the female category in 40:01, followed by Lesotho’s Malineo Mahloko (41:46) and third placed Bathobile Mkhize (42:34). In February, Mbhele won Umtshezi/Wembezi 10 km Challenge.
Addressing athletes and spectators after the race, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Bongi Sithole-Moloi said the aim of the Nquthu race is to avail opportunities for rural youth to participate in sport.
“We have started similar races in other municipalities because we want rural youth to participate in sport where they are. We don’t want you to move to urban areas because of better opportunities there. This is part of our efforts to develop rural areas,” she said.
The MEC expressed her disappointment that the people living with disabilities were unable to participate due to weather conditions that destroyed the road. She urged the local and District Municipalities to fix the road so the community of people living with disability could be part of the race.
Final results:
Top 10 females
- Jannet Mbhele
- Maleneo Mahloko
- Thobile Mkhize
- Zama Mokeona
- Nwabisa Mjoli
- Androlica Makgotla
- Andisiwe Njunguza
- Lindokuhle Gabela
- Nokuthula Ntshangase
- Bathobile Mkhize
Males
- Thabang Mosiako
- Mishack Sithole
- Silindile Ngobese
- Sibusiso Kubheka
- Bonginkosi Zwane
- Siyabonga Nkonde
- Ayanda Mncubo
- Ndumiso Sokhola
- Anele Dlamini
Other results:
Male walkers
- Tsepang Selepe
- Thapelo Zungu
- Vukani Mdunge
Team prize:
- EThekwini Athletic Club
Male juniors
- Xolani Zulu
- Sanele
- Temo Maponapone