Competing for the first time since serving a four-year drug ban that ended in December, the 34-year-old received a warm standing ovation from the crowd, despite finishing sixth with a jump of 7.68m.

It marked his first appearance at the national championships since his last title win in 2019.

Jovan van Vuuren reclaimed the title he previously won two years ago with a leap of 8.00m, while two-time national champion Cheswill Johnson took silver with 7.97m, and Emanuel Divan secured bronze at 7.93m.

Manyonga said he felt both emotional and relieved to be back in the sport that once made him a global star.

“Yeah, it’s great, I’m grateful that God has given me the opportunity to come back and participate in the National Championships. Losing or winning was not the point, the point was me coming back and competing,” Manyonga said.

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The 2017 Diamond League champion told SABC Sport that not much has changed since serving his four-year ban, except that he’s now a bit older.

“What has changed is just me not competing for a long time and starting from scratch and the age also changed. Of course, it feels different from the last time because of age, a lot of work needs to be done,” he added.

The Olympic silver medallist admits he's not in top form but is working hard to get back into shape and regain his fitness.

“See when you park the car for a long time you have to take care of the engine and oil and everything and put some lubricant and stuff like that but I think the more competitions I’m part of, something is gonna come out.”

MARRAKESH

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