By Adnaan Mohamed
Kamohelo Mofolo turned the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km into his personal victory lap, storming away from the pack like a runaway train on Saturday morning. The 19-year-old from Lesotho, already his nation’s 10km record-holder, lit up Kingsmead Cricket Stadium as he broke the tape in 27:58 leaving 12,000 competitors trailing in his slipstream.
With compatriot Tebello Ramakongoana absent, Mofolo carried the Mountain Kingdom’s flag high, ensuring the crown never left Lesotho’s grasp. Running in the colours of Durban’s Xcel Running Club, he made it back-to-back victories for his country, clocking the fastest stride of the day.
South Africa’s finest tried to reel him in, but Mofolo was simply out of reach. Kabelo “Mr Podium” Mulaudzi ( 28:01) chased hard, finishing just three seconds adrift, while Thabang Mosiako (28:03) sprinted home another two seconds later. Both men held on to his shadow but could never quite close the gap.
Mofolo’s race was bold from the gun. Just after 2km, he hit the accelerator, opening daylight between himself and the chasers. Even when stiff coastal winds blew across the route after 6km, slowing his record attempt, his lead never wavered.
“I realised the record was gone, but I focused on protecting my lead,” he said.
The teenager’s decision to skip the Absa Tshwane 10km the week before was a tactical masterstroke by saving his legs for Durban’s big stage. The gamble paid off handsomely, as he surged through the final kilometre in a blistering 2:40, sealing the title and the R35,700 prize.
“Yes, I said earlier this week that I wanted to win,” Mofolo smiled, breathless but triumphant.
“Everything went according to plan, and I am just so happy.”
For Mulaudzi, the runner-up spot was yet another podium finish in a career built on consistency.
“The race was tactical. I’m happy with my time, but today belonged to Kamohelo,” he admitted.
Mosiako, meanwhile, was elated with third.
“I was with Kabelo until halfway, but it got tough. To still finish top three in 28:03 makes me really happy,” he said.
On Durban’s flat, fast streets, Mofolo showed he is no longer just a promising prospect but a genuine force. At just 19, he has already proven he can set the pace and leave even the strongest rivals chasing shadows.
Men’s Top 10 Results
| 1 | Kamohelo MOFOLO | 00:27:57 |
| 2 | Kabelo MULAUDZI | 00:28:01 |
| 3 | Thabang MOSIAKO | 00:28:03 |
| 4 | Matlakala Bennett SELOYI | 00:28:04 |
| 5 | Bongelani MKHWANAZI | 00:28:08 |
| 6 | Cwenga NOSE | 00:28:10 |
| 7 | Stephen MOKOKA | 00:28:16 |
| 8 | Simon SIBEKO | 00:28:18 |
| 9 | Siyabonga NDLOVU | 00:28:21 |
| 10 | Chris MHLANGA | 00:29:0 |
