Eswatini Marathon Legend Sihlongonyane Laments Loss of Training Roads

Eswatini marathon legend Isaac Sihlongonyane, also known as 'Steam Engine', has expressed concern over the loss of quiet training roads in the country. He believes that the disappearance of these routes is affecting the performance of local runners. Sihlongonyane, who has been a dominant force in Eswatini's long-distance running scene, says that the country's roads were once ideal for training, with minimal traffic.

Sihlongonyane reminisced about his training days in the 1970s, when he could run for kilometres without encountering many cars. He recalls outpacing a group of Basotho runners at Malangwane Hill, setting off from The George Hotel in Manzini and finishing at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground in Mbabane. He attributed his success to the quiet roads and pure love for the sport.

The veteran athlete believes that Eswatini has the potential to produce world-class runners, but they need proper preparation and training facilities. He suggested that Athletics Eswatini (AE) could provide specialised training programmes for top performers, especially those who regularly earn seeded positions. Sihlongonyane also emphasised the importance of clubs ferrying athletes to quieter training venues.

Sihlongonyane's concerns are echoed by the recent performance of local runners in major marathons. At the Imbube Marathon on October 17, South African and East African runners dominated the podium, with Siphamandla Nkosi claiming the men's full marathon title and Kenya's Rosina Kiboino winning the women's race. Local runner Ntokozo Nkonyane had to settle for second place in the men's category.

Sihlongonyane's own training regimen was shaped by his rural upbringing and police career. Before joining the Royal Eswatini Police Service in 1974, he would run early in the morning before herding cattle. Even while training at the Matsapha Police College, he had access to open roads.

The loss of training roads is a result of urbanisation and modernisation, with towns expanding and traffic increasing. Sihlongonyane suggested that clubs and Athletics Eswatini could work together to provide athletes with alternative training facilities. He remains optimistic about the potential of Eswatini's runners.

Sihlongonyane's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of athletes. His concerns about training facilities serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in Eswatini. With proper support and resources, local runners may yet rewrite the history books and challenge for top prizes in international competitions.

Key points

• Eswatini marathon legend Isaac Sihlongonyane believes local runners can still compete at top level with proper training and facilities.