"I feel like I’m getting back to where I was before the injury" - Ndlovu on the comeback trail after victory at Otty Nxumalo 10km

After beginning the year with a breakthrough and the promise of a season to remember, Siyabonga Ndlovu found that 2026 quickly became a test of patience, resilience and his love for athletics when a knee injury derailed his plans.

"I think this year started with good news as I accepted an offer to join Boxer which is one of the biggest clubs in the country. I don't think there’s even a single athlete who wouldn't wish to run for them," said Ndlovu who celebrated the biggest move of his career when he joined the Boxer Athletic Club in January from the Umsinga-based Siyathuthuka Development Club in northern KwaZulu-Natal. 

Ndlovu celebrates victory at the Otty Nxumalo 10km race. Photo Credit: Prof Otty Nxumalo Marathon.

"A lot of quality athletes have run for Boxer including Stephen Mokoka who remains my idol because of all his achievements. However the move took a turn for the worst when I suffered an injury - the first in my career. I Wass out for a long time. It was frustrating because I had never experienced anything like that before. There were moments where I thought I'm making a comeback only for the injury to come back again," he explained.

But having preserved through six difficult months, Ndlovu is beginning to rediscover the form that caught Boxer’s eye in the first place. Last month, the 29-year-old from Newcastle clocked 31:50 to win the hilly 10km race at the Makhonjwa Marathon in Mpumalanga. That performance was followed by an even more impressive 28:42 victory at the Prof Otty Nxumalo 10km on Saturday 03 October, where he recorded his first sub-29-minute time of the season. The tenacious athlete was delighted to win the Vryheid race for the fourth time, saying believes his old form is gradually coming together.

Ndlovu in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 12 July where he struggled to a 32:02 finish. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

“I’m happy with the win and the way things are going. The race was well organised and the course was a good one. The competition was great. Winning the race for the fourth time is something I don't take it lightly. Slowly, I feel like I’m getting back to where I was before the injury, and hopefully I can continue improving.”

But above all Ndlovu, who is coached by Ayanda Mncube, is grateful to Boxer manager Rhys Swanepoel and his team for showing faith in him throughout the injury setback, especially at a time when he was still a newcomer to the club.

"I must admit I wasn't communicating that much with the club after I suffered the injury. It was something new to me. Plus explaining yourself too much in a new environment may look like you are making excuses. In the end, I'm happy the club managed to support me to overcome that difficult period. I’m grateful for that.”