Stephen Mokoka sets his sights on the podium at Joburg 10km

Mokoka finished third behind winner Thabang Mosiako and runner-up Bennet Seloyi last year. 

The experienced runner has told SABC Sport that he is determined to improve on that result and finish among the top three. 

"I mean I am hopeful that I can improve the position I got last year, I think we went to Durban I was seventh last year and then this year I finished sixth. So, I'm hoping that even this one I can improve that position that I finished last year,” Mokoka said. 

“I'm hopeful that I can wrap up with maybe a podium again or maybe with a victory for an event that is hosted by the purple team and I'm a purple member, it will be amazing."

READ: African Stars leave nothing to chance in preparations for must-win Orlando Pirates clash

After securing a top-10 finish at the Durban 10km race, the 41-year-old is hoping to end his year on a high note. 

However, he faces tough competition from a strong field that includes young talent Sibusiso Msibi, who will make his debut at the age of 22.

Despite his ambitions, Mokoka says his main goal is to enjoy himself and have fun in the third edition of the annual race.

"I mean firstly let's thank Hollywoodbets the sponsor as well as CGA for making this event happen and also the entire Hollywoodbets team for having sleepless nights to make sure that everyone will be here in Johannesburg. On the third edition I can say I'm excited and hopefully everything works out well,” he added.

Last year’s race took place in Rosebank, but this year’s edition moves to Nasrec, with runners set to take on the streets of Soweto.

The Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km is the highest-paying 10km race in South Africa, with the winner set to pocket R40 000. 

Mokoka expects a challenging and hilly course, saying Johannesburg has never offered an easy route in the Hollywoodbets 10km series.