Well-known Comrades Marathon runner Fhatuwani Mudau from Khubvi village believes he is ready to compete in this year's Comrades Ultra-marathon.
Runners from all over the world will be flocking to KwaZulu-Natal to participate in the world's most renowned ultra-marathon, which takes place on Sunday, 8 June.
Mudau was spotted relaxing at his business premises after his daily morning runs from Khubvi to Thohoyandou on Sunday morning. When asked if he was training for a local race, he said he was focusing all his efforts on preparing for the Comrades. "I started training for the marathon in November last year. I have already covered more than 1,012 kilometres since I began preparing, and I feel I am now ready," he said.
Mudau was born in Soshanguve, Pretoria, but relocated to Khubvi village when he was 16. During his school days at Silemale Secondary School, he participated in the 100m and 200m races. He was nicknamed "Carl Lewis" as people compared him to the legendary American sprinter.
Later, he turned his attention to marathons and was eventually recruited by the Maize Meal Phosphate Club, based in Phalaborwa, where he stayed for five years. "They provided us with groceries every month. During the five years I was with the club, I never had to buy my own groceries," he said.
Mudau gave special thanks to Skipper Muhanelwa Randima for encouraging and sponsoring him over the last four years. "Skipper Randima is the reason I am still running today. May the Lord bless him in everything he does in his life," he said.
Mudau trains many youngsters in Khubvi and the surrounding villages in road running, but he singled out two promising athletes, saying they will make a big impact in the sport in the near future.
"Ndamulelo Marubini and Rolivhuwa Ndou have impressed me since I started working with them, and they have already won some short-distance races. They are going to represent our country in international races one day," he added.