Chasing your dreams doesn’t come easy. You have to work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with supportive people. This is so true for the Dolphin’s shield carrying Zulu Warrior, Sboniso Mpanza. He started running in high school to keep fit and healthy. Unfortunately, finding a club and a support structure in his area was difficult. He persevered however and in 2000 ran his first 15km race and he has not looked back since. His first marathon was the Indian Ocean marathon and success at this race gave him the confidence to enter Comrades. Very few people can run a silver medal on their first attempt at the Comrades marathon, but Sboniso did exactly that – finishing in a time of 7 hours 19 minutes on his first down run.
In 2010 he realised his dream of running 10 Comrades marathons and was awarded his prestigious green number. On his 10th run, he ran another silver (7 hours 16 minutes) and carried a Zulu shield and hunting stick. These became his iconic symbols of determination and perseverance. He can often be seen carrying the shield and hunting stick at races and long runs. Sboniso has now completed 15 Comrades and his best time is 6:58, finishing in an overall time position of 199.
In 2007, Sboniso had the opportunity to run for Boxer Athletics Club and they gave him the chance to run prestigious races outside of KZN, including the Two Oceans, Soweto and City 2 City marathons. Sboniso now runs for Dolphins and we are delighted to have such a great talent running in our colours. He works for Dolphin Holiday Resort, who has been extremely supportive in giving him leave and opportunity to pursue his running dreams, something he is very thankful for.
His big dream is now to run 10 Two Oceans marathons and receive his permanent number. If you would like to help Sboniso financially to realise his dream of running Ocean this year, please get hold of him on 073 730 1642.
There is only one week to go until our Charity Hat Walk on December 16 and we are so excited about this event. We would love to see as many people from Ballito, Salt Rock and surrounding areas join us. Remember to get your T-shirt from Bev or Debbie. We start at 8.30am from the Salt Rock Country Club. Remember to wear your Christmas Hat! Our annual AGM takes place on Monday, December 14 at 6.30pm.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
