'I believe in Coach John Hamlett' – Omuhle Kubheka joins Pan African Resources as she prepares to make Two Oceans debut

New Pan African Resources recruit Omuhle Kubheka is confident she has found the perfect platform to unlock her full potential, backing the guidance of renowned ultra-distance coach John Hamlett to help propel her into the upper echelons of the country's elite female runners. 

Kubheka expressed gratitude to her former club, Entsika AC, where she announced herself on the national stage with a standout fourth-place finish at the 2024 City to City Ultramarathon, stopping the clock in 3:36:22. While thankful for the platform Entsika afforded her, which allowed her to showcase her talent, she believes that under Hamlett's guidance, she has found a mentor who will sharpen her edge and mould her into a consistent elite competitor.

Kubheka is excited to make her Two Oceans debut under the guidance of new coach John Hamlett. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"I'm willing and determined to work hard. I believe in Coach John Hamlett. I know he is going to push me to work hard. I believe in him because he is one of the best distance coaches in South Africa. I’m doing what I love. That’s why I believe I’m at the right place," she told #TheTopRunner.

With her sights firmly set on her debut Totalsports Two Ocean Marathon in April, the 27-year old from Mtubatuba in KZN, got her preparation for the World's Most Beautiful Ultra Marathon underway with a solid victory in the women’s 15km at the Springs Striders Road Race on January 18.

On a flat and fast course, Kubheka faced off with former Boxer AC youngster, Corlize Stoltz, now with Jeppe Quondam. While Stoltz was familiar with the route after her second place finish in the same race last year, Kubheka relied on her experience as she fended off the Central Gauteng athlete to ultimately take line honours in 59:03, to lead a women’s top three that all finished the race under an hour.

Kubheka on top of the podium at the Springs Striders 15km race. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"I'm training for my debut Two Oceans. The route here is flat and fast. It’s nice for training. It was my first time running in the Pan African Resources colours. I’m happy with my performance because my December training did not go well. I lacked a bit of motivation. I hope I’m coming back to my best," said the top runner who also took eleventh position at the 2024 Africanbank Soweto Marathon.

Though not yet ready for the Comrades Marathon, she has promised Hamlett who has produced no less than three Comrades champions, that she will likely make her debut in the near future. "I haven’t been running that long. I want to build my fitness. I've asked Coach John to give me enough time to prepare for the Comrades. I promised him I will make my debut when I turn 30 in three years’ time."