'I always wanted to return to the podium' - Sikhakhane targets Magosuthu 52km after Two Oceans success

After struggling to deliver top performances like he did in 2021 and 2022 in recent years, Siboniso Sikhakhane reminded the athletics fraternity why he is one of the most talented long distance runners in South Africa. Sikhakhane pulled off a resounding performance this weekend, running 3:11:17 to take second place at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on Saturday 5 April. He was only denied the title  by Joseph Seutloali who ran 3:10:46 to claim a maiden Two Oceans victory that goes with R250 000 in prize money. 

Thanks to that runner-up finish, the 34-year-old Enstika Athletics Club top runner returned to the Two Oceans podium for the first time since coming third in 2022 behind Nkosikhona Mhlakwana and winner Edendale Belachew. He says that performance was right on time.

Sikhakhane battling against Lucky Mohale in the final two kilometres of the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Photo Credit: ABPhotoZA.

"It's a good feeling and an unbelievable moment too. To finish just behind the winner in a big race like this is something historical. I always wanted to return to the podium after doing well here back in 2022," said an elated Sikhakhane.

"I think my preparations heading to the race went well. I had sufficient time in training to be in excellent shape. The competition on the day was good to push us to run fast even though the race became more tactical. It is usually like that when there are lots of contenders. Overall, I'm proud about how I managed to perform on the day," explained the man who grabbed seventh position (2:24:53) at the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon in Botswana on 22 February as part of his preparations for the World's Most Beautiful Ultra Marathon.

Since joining Entsika from Phantane Athletics Club in 2023, Sikhakhane has failed to deliver on the road. The man who hails in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal who is the owner of a 2:11:49 personal best time over 42km clocked when taking eighth position at the 2021 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon says focusing on his construction and maintenance business took his all training time.

Sikhakhane on the podium alongside winner Seutloali of Lesotho and third placed finisher Mohale. Photo Credit: Totalsports.

"I'm a person who doesn't rely on running only for living. I do construction, tiling, carpentry etc. It's demanding as it takes my time. I ended up not having much time to train. I flew on the same day after the race back home because there is job that I had to finish. That demanding schedule makes it difficult to find the balance. I even told my coach (Hendrick Ramaala) that I'll try to find balance. He understands though that I have to live."

With the Two Oceans success now behind him Sikhakhane has targeted the Prince Mangosuthu 52km race scheduled for 27 April in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natla. In the past he obtained 3rd position in 2021, 2nd in 2022 and fourth last year. "I want to run the Prince Mangosuthu race in the upcoming weeks. It's a race which takes place close to my home. I need to be able to win it this time around. I have come close on different occasions but this time I want to taste the victory," he told #TheTopRunner.