For Midrand-based social runner Victor ‘The General’ Malinga (42), the earning of his Comrades Marathon green number represented far more than completing 10 Comrades Marathons; it was the healing of a dream that had once been shattered.

After earning his coveted green number in 2025, Malinga returned to the roads this year wearing his permanent race number for the very first time.

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More than just another Comrades finish, the moment symbolised a journey that began on football fields in KwaZulu-Natal before ending among South Africa’s distance running legends. “I felt like I had finally achieved the legendary status I always dreamed of.”

Born in Durban and raised in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Malinga grew up in a sporting family, where education and athletics went hand in hand. His late father, a teacher by profession and former professional boxer, insisted that his children excel both in the classroom and on the sports field. “I grew up in a family with many siblings. My father always encouraged us to do well in school while pursuing sport. Football was part of our lives from a young age, and I started playing organised football when I was eight years old.”

Playing as an attacking midfielder, Malinga quickly established himself as a gifted footballer. While studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he continued chasing his dream of becoming a professional footballer. “I always believed I could become a professional footballer, but I also knew education was important. I never wanted to sacrifice one for the other.”

His performances at university tournaments attracted attention from scouts, eventually earning him trials with Durban Stars FC shortly after completing his degree in 2005. Within five days, coach Clinton Larsen had decided to sign the talented youngster. “I suddenly found myself sharing the dressing room with players I had grown up watching. I realised my dream was becoming a reality.”

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Malinga made his professional debut during the 2005/06 national first division season, then known as the Mvela Golden League, against City Pillars FC at King Zwelithini Stadium. The match remains unforgettable, not only because it marked his professional debut, but because he rubbed shoulders with players such as Teko Modise.

He believed it was the beginning of a long professional career. Instead, it became the end. After the season ended, Durban Stars signed several new players, and Malinga was never called back. The disappointment devastated him. “I cried. I really cried. I hated football after that.”

The pain ran so deep that he stopped watching football entirely for two years. “It hurt even more watching people I had played with continue their careers while I sat at home. I genuinely believed it was only a matter of time before I reached the PSL.”

With football behind him, Malinga turned his attention to building a career. In 2007, he joined Eskom as a trainee before being permanently appointed a year later.

Although he eventually returned to football through Eskom Megawatt Park FC, where he later captained the side, the emotional wound remained. “Playing socially helped me heal. We travelled around the country and played against strong teams, but deep inside I still felt there was something missing.”
That missing piece would eventually be found on the road. In 2014, Malinga made a life-changing decision. He entered his first Comrades Marathon.

Grab the next print edition of Midrand Reporter to read more about The General’s journey.

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