How Mthembu outran his Comrades
He cites maturity for up, down wins
While Bong’musa Mthembu would not like to be called “The Silent Comrades Assassin”, it’s a tag that fits him perfectly.
In the lead up to the race, the likes of Ludwick Mamabolo, who can claim to be the Pitso Mosimane of the Comrades Marathon with his garrulous ways, talked up his chances of winning the race while Mthembu’s cool but steely demeanour gave nothing away of what was to come.
After all, the Comrades is one race that makes sure your feet do all the talking.
In the end, Mamabolo came a distant fourth as the “Assassin” made light work of the up-run.
Mthembu comes from Bulwer in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands. In 2014 he won the down-run. There was, therefore, a score to settle on the stretch between Durban and Pietermaritzburg this year.
Mthembu’s achievement on Sunday made him the first black South African athlete to win both the down- and up-run titles. More than that, he is also the firs South African to win Comrades more than once since Bruce Fordyce in the 80s.
“I know I’ve been called the down-run specialist and I can understand that. I’ve been good at it, that’s why I’m happy to win the up-run because I’ve now ticked that off.
“I had already told myself that if I’m a down-run specialist, I’ve had time to train for the up-run. I think I’ve matured enough to win both the up-run and down-run races.”
For his efforts, Mthembu tookhomeacoolR660 000,being the first South African and KwaZulu-Natal athlete to cross the finishing line.
The win was made sweeter by the fact that his son Sisanda was there to hug him when he crossed the finishing line.
There’s the significant matter of him wanting to be the perfect role-model for his son and also being the flag bearer for rural athletes.
After all, Mthembu is a big believer in the mining of rural athletics talent.
Mthembu said many rural athletes are naturally talented but lack the specialist training and requisite nutrition.