Hendrick Ramaala’s Zoo Lake group targets Soweto Marathon glory

By Charles Baloyi
23rd October 2025

After the disappointment of the cancelled Cape Town Marathon due to severe weather last week, Hendrick Ramaala’s Zoo Lake training group is turning its attention to the upcoming Soweto Marathon.

The iconic “People’s Race” — featuring the 42.2km, 21.1km, and 10km distances — will take place on 29 November at Nasrec, with R250,000 up for grabs for both the men’s and women’s marathon winners.

Ramaala confirmed that his group will send a strong contingent across all categories, despite ongoing disputes between the Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) and the Non-Profit Company (NPC) over race ownership.

“The Soweto Marathon is all we have left this season, and we’re going all out,” said Ramaala.

“We’re sending a big team in all distances — men and women. The goal is to dominate and win it. We’re preparing as if it’s happening, even though there’s still uncertainty.”

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Among his top athletes is Ntsindiso Mphakathi, who made history two years ago by ending a decade-long drought for South African men at the Soweto Marathon.

He has been training hard to reclaim his title.

“Mphakathi is ready and confident he can win again, but he’s not the only contender,” added Ramaala. “We have a big squad of marathoners — including Givemore Mudzinganyama, who’s also in great form — and several others who are hungry for victory.”

Former national 10km and half-marathon champion Precious Mashele, who is making a comeback, is also expected to feature — possibly in the 10km or 21.1km race — as Ramaala plans to field his full team in Soweto.

Ramaala told the national broadcaster that his goal is to turn the Zoo Lake training group into the strongest marathon team in South Africa.

He has set his sights on winning the Soweto Marathon, performing well at the Two Oceans and Cape Town Marathons, and making an impact at next year’s Comrades Marathon.

“We’ve changed our mindset and built stronger belief within the team. Our aim is to become the best in the country, and the journey starts with the Soweto Marathon.

We’ll see what we can achieve there,” said the former New York City Marathon champion and South African 10 000m record holder.