Nick Bester saw Ndlela as the next Comrades winner
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by the untimely passing of Comrades gold medallist, Siphiwe Ndlela this past weekend. He was 28 years old.
The multi-gold medallist died on Friday shortly after he apparently took a herbal medication for stomach cramps‚ according to his coach‚ Mdu Khumalo.
Ndlela was a phenomenal athlete who claimed Gold in both the 2016 and 2017 Comrades Marathons. He ran for Nedbank Running Club.
He was a humble and disciplined athlete, who inspired runners with his brilliant performances. Of his four Comrades finishes, he achieved two Gold, 1 Wally Hayward and 1 Silver, all within the top 20 positions.
His personal best was in 2016 when he finished in a time of 5:36:56
CMA Chairperson, Cheryl Winn says, “We note the untimely passing of Siphiwe Ndlela with a profound sense of sadness and shock at the tragic loss of a promising young athlete and rising star. On behalf of the Comrades Marathon Association I extend our deepest condolences to all of his family, friends and loved ones.”
Nick Bester of Nedbank Running Club says, “I saw Siphiwe as the next Comrades star and winner. He was so consistent and disciplined and we lost a very kind person and athlete. Nedbank Green Dream Team will miss Siphiwe!”
A memorial service for Siphiwe Ndlela will be held in Ixopo on Sunday, 11 March 2018, starting at 9am.
