Andrew Booyens on producing Soweto Marathon double champions

By Charles Baloyi
5th December 2025

Renowned athletics coach Andrew Booyens has played down his remarkable success after becoming the first coach to guide both the men’s and women’s winners of the Soweto Marathon — as well as the Two Oceans champion — in the same cycle.

Lesotho star Neheng Khatala won the women’s title last year and added the half-marathon crown this year, while compatriot Joseph Seutloali sealed a rare marathon double by winning the Soweto Marathon after his Two Oceans triumph in April.

Booysens told SABC Sport that the credit belongs to the athletes, praising their hard work and commitment while insisting the spotlight must remain on them.

"When the athletes decide to prepare for a specific race, we spend approximately four months preparing. So that the athlete can arrive on race day, ready as can be, and with a clear game plan."

The 56-year-old multi-talented coach — who also trains canoe athletes — described how he first discovered both Khatala and Seutloali in Lesotho more than ten years ago, helping them unlock their potential to achieve major success in South Africa.

"I was in Lesotho many years ago, where I met them, and we sat down to come up with a two year plan because the goal was to reach the Tokyo Olympics at the time."

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With more than 30 years of coaching experience behind him, the Pietermaritzburg-born mentor said he always expected greatness from Khatala, who recently completed her Sports Science studies at North West University.

He believes her versatility across different distances will take her even further.

Booyens, who holds an Athletics South Africa Level 1 coaching qualification and a sport qualification badge from Stellenbosch, witnessed firsthand the heartbreak when Seutloali faded in the final stages of last year’s Soweto Marathon to finish second.

But the Hollywood Athletics Club runner returned with purpose this year, winning convincingly in 2:20:09 and pocketing R250 000.

"I think he had a lot of confidence after winning the Two Oceans. He is an incredibly talented athlete with a lot of pace. He is also extremely tactical."

The veteran coach backed Seutloali to successfully defend both his titles next year, commending the humble athlete’s discipline and strong character rooted in his rural upbringing in the Mountain Kingdom.