"Entsika is a blessing" - Nkosi claims gold on Two Oceans debut

The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD saw some exceptional performances from a number of new faces, particularly in the men's 56km event where six of the top ten male finishers earned their very first gold medals. Of those six, five were debutants including winner Arthur Jantjies who secured a memorable 3:09:25 victory over runner-up and 2024 champion Onalenna Khonkhobe. 

KwaZulu-Natal's Sphamandla Nkosi also delivered a remarkable debut run, finishing sixth overall with a time of 3:12:42, and outpacing last year's runner-up, Siboniso Sikhakhane, in a sprint over the final 50 meters to claim a maiden gold medal. Nkosi who runs in the colours of Entsika Athletic Club says his preparation told him that a top 10 finish was on the cards.

Nkosi powering to a maiden Two Oceans gold medal. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

"I'm not surprised to be in the top 10," he told #TheTopRunner. "Going into the race, I had a positive mindset that I'm going to deliver. The race was hard though and to obtain the sixth position never came easy. The sprint finish was crazy. All I was thinking about was not losing money (Nkosi obtained R30 000 for sixth compared to R23 000 for seventh position) which is why I had to run faster," said Nkosi who won Best of the Best Marathon in a commendable time of 2:17:20 on 1 March.

"I think after winning Best of the Best, I knew I was in a great shape. The important thing was not to get carried away and load too much mileage in the buildup up to Two Oceans. My work was done and I had to be cautious in how I approach the race." 

Nkosi poses for a photo at the finish line at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban after winning the Best of the Best Marathon. Photo Credit: Best of the Best Marathon.

According to the 30-year-old Nkosi who was one of three Entsika AC men to earn gold medals, his impressive performance at the Two Oceans was largely due to the guidance and support he obtained from the club he joined at the beginning of last year.

"I think to have a club like Entsika is a blessing. They have done a lot for me since I have joined them. There is so much change in my career. I can't mention all the things but they have done a wonderful job in taking care of me," explained Nkosi who claimed top twenty finishes at the Durban International Marathon and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2024. 

Entsika AC enjoyed a successful 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD. They won a total of five gold medals - three in the men's 56km and two in the women's ultra marathon. Photo Credit: Entsika Foundation.

Now Nkosi will return to the drawing board and concentrate on shorter distances in order to build speed before consulting his club about his next race.

"Now, I'm going to rest a bit before hitting the road again. I'll now do some 10km and 21km races in order to create speed. I don't know which big race I'm going to participate in next. I can't mention Soweto Marathon as they have too much uncertainty going on. Plus Cape Town Marathon is moved to May. I' have to discuss with the club to see what race I shall do.”