He was the fastest runner from Phalaborwa during his first ever Comrades Marathon in June finishing in a time of 06:54:50 granting him a silver medal. He says winning the medal was his greatest achievement, including running 20km with Gerda Steyn, winner of the women’s race. The 28-year-old is originally from Burgersdorp village in Tzaneen and moved to Phalaborwa in 2018 to pursue his studies.

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He now considers Phalaborwa his home. He told the Herald that he started running in 2010 to gain stamina as a soccer player. His first marathon was the Tzaneen Mayor’s Marathon in 2012 where he came first in the 10km race. Some of his long-term goals include doing well in future Comrades races and representing South Africa at the Olympics. In September he is going to run the Masingita Mall Marathon and in October the Shikhumba Marathon, both in Giyani, which he aims to win.

“I have a great support system and the encouragement of my girlfriend, Comfort Makhubele and my coach, Mogale Ramainya.” Shikwambana says his role model is Lutendo Mapoto, a Comrades’ gold medalist who has taken him under his wing.