Team Siata Academy cyclist Sivuyile Gulwako has received praise for his performance at the 2026 MTN Khemani Road Classic. Gulwako, an Eswatini teenage cycling sensation, claimed second place in the 100km event's Under-19 category. The event was held on a hilly Mankayane route on September 26, attracting cyclists from five nations, including Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa.
The first prize in the Under-19 category was taken by Ted Makgetho of Dress A Child Club, also in South Africa. Gulwako doubles as the Eswatini Junior National Road champion. His achievement has been hailed by Team Siata, who took to their official social media page on Facebook to laud his performance. The team is registered with Cycling South Africa Federation and affiliated to Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Cycling.
Team Siata Academy focuses on charity development and high-performance training for young cyclists from various backgrounds and respective race groups. Their vision is to raise Africa's next generation of cycling greats. The team has produced national champions in South Africa and Eswatini and supported riders at the continental level.
Eswatini's Mandiswa Fakudze and Kwanele Jele led the country's charge at the 12th MTN Khemani Road Classic. Jele finished as the first liSwati and seventh overall, having led the peloton at one stage before losing steam as the race progressed towards the finish line. Fakudze, riding for Newcom Wheels Cycling Club, won the 100km women's race in 3:40:01.
Fakudze earned E5 800 for her victory and a further E2 200 for being the first liSwati woman. She was the only female finisher in the 100km race but battled through tough conditions to complete the course. Lesotho's Khotsofalang Rakaota claimed the men's 100km title in 2:40:07, edging South African Bongani Maphanga by three seconds.
Rakaota pocketed E5 800 for his victory, while Butiki Ndebele finished third in 2:44:09. The 2026 MTN Khemani Road Classic saw participation from cyclists across five nations, showcasing the growing interest in cycling in the region. Eswatini's cyclists demonstrated their skills, with Gulwako's second place in the Under-19 category being a notable highlight.
Team Siata's praise for Gulwako reflects their commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting cycling in Eswatini and beyond. As the cycling scene continues to grow in the region, teams like Team Siata Academy play a vital role in supporting and developing young cyclists.
Key points
- Sivuyile Gulwako, an Eswatini teenage cycling sensation, claimed second place in the 2026 MTN Khemani Road Classic Under-19 category.
- Team Siata Academy focuses on charity development and high-performance training for young cyclists from various backgrounds.
- The 2026 MTN Khemani Road Classic saw participation from cyclists across five nations, showcasing the growing interest in cycling in the region.
