Neheng Khatala stole the show for the Hollywood Athletics Club at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban 10km, finishing second in the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km. Thathe Msimango chatted to her.
Hollywood Athletics Club elite athlete Neheng Khathala put in a scintillating performance in the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km race on Saturday, 30 August. Khatala, who finished second behind the overall winner Glenrose Xaba, matched the Lesotho National Record she set a few weeks ago, running 31:53. It remained one of the busiest months for her as she clocked the previous 31:53 at the TotalSports Durban Women’s 10km race on August 3. After the race, the 33-year-old Khatala expressed joy at finishing second and further praised Xaba for running faster on the day.
“I’m delighted with position two. To participate in the club race is always amazing. Last year, I was the winner and this year I’m coming second. I have accepted the defeat. The race was good, and the course was fast. It was hot and windy. I have done so many races this month. Overall, I’m super excited with the time I have spent today,” said Khatala.
Alongside Khatala, Irvette Van Zyl continued her wonderful form – this time clocking an impressive 32:52 to finish fourth overall in a quality field. It marks the first time this season she has dipped under 33 minutes in the distance. Earlier this month, she registered 34:41 on a very challenging Spar Tshwane Women’s race to finish eighth overall. She improved her time by a minute in the Absa Tshwane race to finish fifth. The 38-year-old Van Zyl will now turn the focus to preparing for the Berlin Marathon. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old Makhosazane Mhlongo posted a solid 37:06 to finish second in the 40-49 category.
In the men’s race, Stephen Mokoka was the club’s outstanding performer, clocking an impressive 28:46 to finish seventh overall in the race. The 40-year-old Mokoka ran under 29 minutes for the third time this year, after doing so in the Cape Town and Durban legs of the Absa Race.
