20-year-old Pheko's 28:44 PB underlines Boxer's commitment to support young talent

After suffering the disappointment of being left out of the team that represented South Africa at the World Cross Country Championships in the United States in January, Zenzile Pheko found that success is born from struggle when his agony turned to joy at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday 1 March. Although the 20-year-old claimed the silver medal at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships in Middelburg in September, he was injured during the trials a month later and saw his dream of donning the green and gold for the first time as a senior, evaporate.

"I was so heartsore after getting injured at the SA Cross Country Trials but my coach Ntate Tshepo Khoza consoled me and we shifted our focus to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K," he told #TheTopRunner.

The Boxer Athletic Club top runner who had run a personal best 29:41 to take fifth position at the ASA 10km Championships last November, showed no fear as he ran with the lead bunch alongside SA Record holders Adriaan Wildschutt and Tshepo Tshite. His bravery was rewarded with an impressive 28:44 lifetime best as he grabbed fifth position against a world class 10km field.

"I ran well and I'm happy with my new PB because last year I ran 29:41. I'm very happy and I also impressed the coach who said I made him proud and gave a challenge to the big boys," he giggled. "My target was actually 28:10 but because of the wind I decided to drop my pace a bit but I still kept in touch with the leaders because my coach told me not be afraid of competing with the favourites so they could pull me to a fast time."

That performance vindicated Boxer Athletic club boss Rhyn Swanepoel's decision to sign the precocious long distance talent at the end of 2025. "It feels good. This is a milestone I have worked towards for many years. It has been my dream for a long time to see myself on top of the podium wearing the colours of a professional club. To have Boxer AC support my career at this stage means everything — it is confirmation that the belief, the process, and the results are being recognised."

Pheko who took fifth place in the 5000m at the 2025 ASA Senior Track Field Championships, is one of a number of new signings at a club that has bucked the SA ultra marathon trend and signed track athletes to become the dominant force on the local middle distance and 10km running.

"There is something incredibly special happening inside the Boxer AC team right now — a blend of seasoned champions and fearless young talent that makes the future brighter than ever. Our leaders and mentors are athletes like Elroy Gelant, Kabelo Mulaudzi, Precious Mashele, Glenrose Xaba, Kyla Jacobs, Cacisile Sosibo and Tanith Maxwell who are the backbone of this club. They set the tone," Swanepoel explains. 

"Behind them is a wave of young athletes between 20 and 25 years old who are growing, learning, and stepping into their own greatness. I'm talking about athletes like Benett Seloyi, Zenzile Pheko, Musawenkosi Mnisi, Karabo More, Karabo Mailula, Zanthe Taljaard, Elizabeth Hutamo, Bonolo Makhubela and Carina Swiegers."

"We have signed them on two-year contracts. When I first sold the idea of introducing two‑year athlete contracts to Boxer Head Office, my intention was simple: to give our athletes security, belief, and the freedom to focus fully on their development without worrying about the next season. When the Boxer Head Office approved this vision, it showed — once again — the company’s unwavering commitment to Boxer AC. Boxer has stood by us for 21 years, and this step along with the support of Puma who ensure our athletes are always running in the latest Puma shoes, reinforces exactly why Boxer AC is the most athlete‑centred club in South African athletics."