Khatoane and Molahloe triumph at sold-out Ntenga Foundation 10km in Durban
Maxed Elite athlete Jobo Khotoane timed his decisive move perfectly to claim victory at the Ntenga Foundation 10km race which took place at the Moses Mabhida Outfield Stadium in Druban on Thursday 24 September. The 35-year-old clocked 30:27 after producing a calculated tactical performance in cool, favourable running conditions. Khotoane stayed firmly in control through the opening half of the race, reaching the 5km mark near the Suncoast Circle shoulder-to-shoulder with Lindelani Mjwara of the Hollywood Athletics Club.
The race changed around the 6km mark when Khotoane launched his decisive surge. He gradually pulled away from Mjwara and maintained his lead in closing stages, eventually crossing the finish line first to secure the win. Behind him, Fikinkosi Zondi produced a strong finish to overtake Mjwara and take second in 30:34, while Mjwara had to settle for third in 30:46.
For Khotoane, the victory was particularly significant because it came just days after a demanding performance at the Exxaro Half-Marathon in Tshwane, where he finished as the runner-up in 1:06:41 behind fellow Lesotho athlete and veteran runner Lebenya Nkoka. Speaking to #TheTopRunner after the race on National Heritage Day, Khotoane expressed his delight at returning to winning ways.
"I'm very happy to win the race. The race was good from start to finish. The perfect weather conditions today allowed us to run a very good race," explained an elated Khotoane. "I came into the race with heavy legs after running the Exarro race last weekend. I could feel it especially in the first half of the race as I initially struggled to run at my desired pace. At around 6km, I decided to make my move. The move paid because Mjwara failed to respond. Overall, I'm happy with the victory and the organisation of the race."
Khotoane, who claimed victory at the notoriously hilly Pirates 21km in Johannesburg in February, said he is pleased with how his 2026 season has unfolded. The Lesotho runner will now turn his attention to preparations for next month’s inaugural Mandela Marathon in Cape Town, where he hopes to line up in the half-marathon.
"I'm super happy with the way the season has gone. Even though I'm not done with the season as yet. I'm hoping to do half marathon in the Nelson Mandela race next month. I have no idea of the course as yet but I'm hoping for the strong performance. From there, I'll decide if I'm going to do the Kimberley Marathon - where I'm targeting the half marathon too," he concluded.
In the women’s race, Ntsoaki Molahloe produced a dominant performance to storm to victory in 34:43. The Phantane Athletics Club athlete, fresh from claiming top honours in the Park Square 10km race last weekend, won by more than 90 seconds from runner-up Dorcas Kibet, who finished in 36:41. Mbali Mashaba completed the podium in 40:46. 26-year-old Molahloe was delighted to be the first woman across the finish line.
"I'm happy with the win. Seeing Dorcas at the start line, I knew she will push me to run a good time since she is so strong. There was a bit of wind in the second half of the race. Besides that I'm happy with my performance."
The 12th edition of the Ntenga race attracted a sold-out field of 10,000 runners, highlighting the event’s growing popularity among elite athletes and recreational runners. Organisers said the entry fees generated from the race will go towards community upliftment projects especially in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal Province.
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