KAZIMLA MFIKILI
Sinethemba Jilingisi, who was expelled last year from Gqeberha’s renowned Ikamva Athletics Club, is forging a path to redemption after a stellar victory at the East London Eye Laser 10km Challenge, finishing just 16 seconds short of Yanga Malusi’s long-standing record.
The 22-year-old 2024 Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Legacy Series winner ran to victory with a time of 31 min 30 sec, the closest anyone has come in the last few years to beating Malusi’s 31:14 record.
Jilingisi, now running under the auspices of Haven Hills Athletics Club, said he did not imagine performing this well but credited his hill- focused training for securing him an excellent result, despite the searing humidity on the day.
“The race was challenging and I didn’t know that I was so close to breaking the record time.
“My main focus was getting back to fitness and to my best form,” he said.
“I spent the majority of December preparing not only for the challenge but for the entire season. I used this race to see how far I have progressed with my training.
“I feel that there’s something big coming this season for me. Last year, injuries derailed my season as both of my knees were injured.
“Soon after recovery I went into training and now I feel more confident than ever.
“This victory is significant in my career.
“I have participated in runs in East London for a while now and I have only finished either on the podium or close to it, but I have never reigned triumphant in any race here.”
This important win marks a new start for Jilingisi after he and four others were expelled from the renowned Ikamva club by Athletics SA coach of the year, Mike Mbambani, due to alleged ill-discipline in September last year.
The GO! & Express asked Jilingisi if he was considering appealing his expulsion from Ikamva but the athlete firmly renounced any plans to return to the club and is set on rebuilding his standing within the sport on the national running circuit with hopes of representing SA.
He was joined on the podium by Lithobe Menzeleleli, of Ikhamva, in second place with a time of 31:33 and Malixole Kalideni, of Old Selbornians, in third in 33:30. All three times were faster than last year’s winning time of 34:23, recorded by Zingisile Marikeni.
The absence of record holder Hanlie Botha at this year’s race in addition to other 10km specialists such as Cindy Nel and Caryn Lategaan, cleared the way for UIPM biathle/triathle world champion and Born 2 Run AC runner, Andrea Ranger, to take first place with a time of 42:18, followed by Oxford Striders’ runner Angelique Norton in 43:28.
Ranger said: “Winning it was a surprise and it is such a lovely achievement. Above all I’m grateful.”
The Clarendon Prep teacher said starting the year on a winning note was a “confidence booster” and “indicates where to improve” for the remainder of the running season.
The 10th edition of the Laser Challenge saw more than 1,000 finishers, indicating the race’s growing popularity.
East London Athletics Club chair Graham Reynolds said: “The attendance growth impressed me a lot. Besides the licensed runners we have in East London, it was nice to see such a big turnout of unlicensed runners.
“The clocked times by the best three in the men’s 10km was nothing less than fantastic.
“The times between first and second was so slim, with first winner Jilingisi finishing three seconds ahead of Menzeleleli in second place.”
