A 30-year-old Mamelodi road runner finally achieved his first podium finish and qualified to participate in this year’s Two Oceans marathon on Saturday.
Sfiso Masango of Mamelodi West, Section C2, qualified after coming in third at the Original Kosmos 3-in-1 race in Mpumalanga, Secunda.
The runner ran 42km in 2 hours and 48 minutes, the 21.1km in 1 hour and 31 minutes, and finished the 10km in 42 minutes.
All in all, he ran 73km which qualified him for the Two Oceans marathon on April 13 and the Comrades marathon on June 9.
He brought home four medals and made the Mamelodi Striders athletics club proud.
Masango said he was proud of his big achievement and his first podium finish.
He said last year he came very close to qualifying when he finished fourth in the 3-in-1 race, but through his dedication and different training sessions with his teammates, he finally achieved his goal.
“My focus is to prepare for the Oceans and Comrades marathons,” he said.
He said he trains Mondays to Thursdays, running 10-12km, and on Saturday, a long-distance run with his teammates.
“I started running at primary school, where I participated mostly in the 800m, but stopped running in high school,” he said.
However, in 2017, he was struggling to focus on his books, and he was advised to start jogging because it would help with his focus.
He said Bra Peter of Mamelodi, one of his inspirers, took him to his first 10km road running race from where he returned with a silver medal.
“I have not looked back since. Instead, I joined the Mamelodi Striders,” he said.
Boitumelo Nkosi of Mamelodi Striders said the club was proud to have “one of our own to finally achieve his first podium finish”.
“You took pride in yourself, and your hard work and determination have finally paid off,” said Nkosi.
“You have put Mamelodi Striders on the map.
We wish you more podiums. Keep on being a good example and role model to the youth.”
Masango’s main goal is to discover young running talent in Mamelodi.
“There is a lot of talent in Mamelodi, but the youth, especially boys, believe in just playing soccer.”
He encouraged the youth of Mamelodi to participate in different sporting codes to unleash their hidden talents.
“Life does not end today, and it’s up to us to help you, the youth, unleash your talents.”
He warned the youth that alcohol and drugs won’t take them anywhere “except destroy your future”.
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