Mapaseka Makhanya joins Nedbank Running Club

The 2014 Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix champion has been named in the club’s “Dream Team” for Saturday’s Diamonds and Doring Kimberley Big Hole Marathon.

The 2013 South African Sportswoman of the Year, who stepped away from competitive running for several years, has resurfaced in Nedbank’s green colours. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Nedbank Elite manager Nick Bester confirmed the signing and described it as “very interesting.”

“Mapaseka has joined our Nedbank group and will run the 42.2km at the Kimberley Marathon this weekend,” said the 1991 Comrades Marathon champion, who expressed excitement about having the 40-year-old on board.

“She joined us last month and is coached by Pio Mpolokeng in the North West province. The plan is to bring her back. She has matured, she has two children, and now she’s back on the road.”

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Makhanya will make her first official appearance for the Dream Team this weekend. Bester said he believes strongly in giving athletes a second chance and is confident that her experience will be valuable to the younger runners in the squad.

“Pio is getting her back into shape and is pleased with her progress. She’s improving and showing signs of becoming a promising athlete again. In marathons, the older you get, the better you become, so we are delighted to have her,” Bester added.

Makhanya, who famously finished second at the 2017 Soweto Marathon behind four-time champion Irvette van Zyl, is not yet at the level she once dominated.

However, she has been putting in long runs and rebuilding her fitness.

The Soweto-born athlete nearly walked away from the sport after battling depression following the loss of her brother and father. The emotional toll pushed her further away from running.

Bester confirmed that the long-term plan is for Makhanya to compete regularly in 2026, including Spar Women’s 10km races, half-marathons, and selected marathons.

“You will see a lot more of her next year. The goal is to get her fully back into the sport. She’s grown, she’s more disciplined, and she’s a loving parent. We just need to give her time,” he said.