Third time luck for Mtsweni

Well-known athlete Nondindwa Nel Mtsweni has made it for the third time winning the Mandela Day Marathon held in Durban.

Mtsweni said even though it seems impossible until it was done which were some of the words that were said by the international icon, Nelson Mandela which inspire him.

The Mandela Day Marathon took place on Sunday August 25, from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal.

The distance options were: 10km, 21.1km and the 42.2km distance; Mtsweni was running in the 10km distance.

“I was very humbled to defend the title. I see the race growing every year and I would like to applaud the KZN government together with the department of sport in that province for their support. They are very supportive in sports in general and they support their athletes and sporting events like the Mandela Day Marathon and the Comrades Marathon and they are very good in organising them,” said Mtsweni.

Mtsweni said he won the race in 35:46 minutes breaking his two years running times to win the race.

He said he is very happy about his achievement.

Mtsweni could not take along any of his athletes from his new club, Ikhaya Athlete Club due to financial constrains.

He said he was not getting any help from the Mpumalanga provincial government and there are few development programmes for athletes in the province.

“With help and wisdom from God the club development is promising. I’m building it day by day with the greatest passion. Very soon we will be competing in the major events and races. I hope the private sector will come on board to support us. My other target will be the Mandela Remembrance Race to be held in Pretoria at the Union Buildings in December. I will also be defending my title for the third time,” added Mtsweni.

Mtsweni will also be aiming for gold in the cross-country race to be held in Pretoria on Saturday, September 7.

He said he will dedicate the gold medal to all the Mpumalanga people and his club.