'I'm positive that I'm going to do well' - Moloi joins Phantane and is ready for Two Oceans debut

In a bid to bolster their Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon team, Phantane Athletics Club has announced the acquisition of ultra-marathon rising star Samuel Cijimpi Moloi, who is set to make his debut in the prestigious event in April. Formerly of the Mr. Price-backed Maxed Elite Running Club, Moloi has already made an impact in his new club colours. Yesterday (Sunday, 1 February) Moloi clocked an impressive 56:16 time to win the Sydenham 16km race in Durban. Moloi who originally hails from Soweto, described joining one of the most respected and rapidly growing clubs in the KwaZulu-Natal Province as a dream come true.

Moloi wearing his new club colours at prize giving after winning the Sydenham 16km. Photo Credit: Mdu Khumalo.

"I'm very happy to join Phantane. For a very long time, I have interacted with coach Mdu Khumalo (Phantane's founder) and shared my dream with him about joining the club. It was during the days of the late Mbuleli Mathanga when I realized the wonderful work that Mdu is doing. I know the move was suppose to happen some years go but there were some hurdles that stood in our way. Finally, I'm so happy that it happened as it has been my dream," explains Moloi.

"To come and race in Durban, was more to stretch my legs a bit and meet my new teammates. It was not that I planned to run the race as it came on a last minute. So to open with a win under a new club excites me even more. I'm looking forward to achieving more with Phantane."

The late Mbuleli Mathanga and his coach Mdu Khumalo share a smile after Mathanga's victory at the 2023 Two Oceans Half Marathon. Photo Credit: MWMedia.

At 32-years-old, Moloi has proven his value over the standard marathon where he is the owner of a 2:14:39 personal best produced when he took fifth position at the 2022 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. He has also demonstrated his potential as a formidable competitor in ultra races, accumulating notable achievements, including a 2:53:49 fourth place finish at the 2025 City to City Marathon against a highly competitive field. Now preparing for his Totalsports Two Oceans debut, Moloi is confident in his ability to mount a strong challenge.

"I've learnt a lot from the few ultra races I have done in my career. I'm positive that I'm going to do well in my first Two Oceans this year. I'm not going to say that I'm going to be in the top 10 or top 5 but I'm certain I'll give a strong fight. Now with Mdu coaching me, that's going to make a lot difference as I was coaching myself before," he told #TheTopRunner.

Having already signed former SA Marathon champion Tumelo Motlagale last season, Khumalo views Moloi's addition to a club which has featured prominent athletes like Mathanga, multiple Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon champion Gerda Steyn, and Comrades Marathon gold medalist Mahlomola Sekhonyana, as a positive step, especially because Moloi will run alongside Motlagale in a strong Phantane Two Oceans team.

Coach Mdu poses with new signing Moloi. Photo Credit: Mdu Khumalo.

"I'm happy Moloi has decided to join the club. He's got a bright future in the ultra distances as long as he is guided in the right manner. Phantane needed a long distance athlete to boost the Two Oceans squad. Now that he has signed, we are going to send a very strong squad. Let's see how the year unfolds but I'm convinced that he is good addition to the club."