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ROSY FALL: Ludwick Mamabolo collapses at the finish line after winning the 2012 Comrades Marathon in Durban . Mamabolo became the first South African to win the Pietermaritzburg-to-Durban race since 2005. Photo: Gallo Images

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• Comrades goes to SA homeboy

Mamabolo, who is employed by Absa in the loans division in Kempton Park, became the first South African since 2005 to win the marathon in Durban yesterday.

The last South African to win the race was Sipho Ngomane of Mpumalanga.

Mamabolo's parents' home in Turfloop, outside Polokwane, was flooded with relatives, family friends and neighbours after he was crowned the new Comrades king yesterday.

Later in the day Mamabolo's family were invited to the royal house in Segopye by Chief Kgoshigadi Mposho Mamabolo to congratulate them on their son's achievement.

Mamabolo's uncle and top development soccer coach Jerry Ramohlale was on hand to welcome the wellwishers.

"I could not believe it when Ludwick told me he had applied for three months' unpaid leave to come to Limpopo for training," Ramohlale said.

"I used to drive behind him between Turfloop and Magoebaskloof. We also did the Turfloop-Lebowakgomo route.

"We have been getting congratulatory messages from the Limpopo provincial government and many other people."

The runner's father, Jerry Mamabolo, said: "Ludwick has never let us down, we are very proud of him. We are planning a big party to welcome him back in Limpopo and this will be done jointly with the royal family."

Mamabolo was born Modibe Ludwick Mamabolo in Segopye village on April 14 1977.

As a youngster he played soccer, participated in singing at school and featured in athletics. His father asked him to choose one activity because he could not afford to pay for all three.

He opted for athletics.

In soccer, Mamabolo was a member of Tshiamo Academy run by Ramohlale.

Mamabolo, who is not related to the legendary Titus Mamabolo, has a BCom degree and is studying to become a chartered accountant.

Comments

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Thu Jun 20 08:56:32 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 4, 2012

ZUMAMUSTGO

The bank can keep their money, R 300 000 and other incentives from sponsors, Ludwick will be financially set, what is going on in Limpopo first it was Caster Semenya and now Ludwick Mamabolo at least KZN came second.
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Jun 4, 2012

maneater

that is what i call bravery and belief. well done baba.
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Jun 4, 2012

Ma-7

Sacrifice,sacrifice,sacrifice.
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Jun 4, 2012

Onkarabile

I bet they thought he wont win...ABSA our boy is a hero.
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Jun 4, 2012

mmasello

well done to mamabolo..and thnx to ABSA for giving you time for training
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Jun 4, 2012

ApelMankotsana

Shoooooo.....From Turfloop to Lebowakgomo...?..What a distance. I can hardly do 10 kms.
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Jun 4, 2012

AusiBob

what a sacrifice! I'm happy for you! You made your family and SA proud! Well done Mr!
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Jun 4, 2012

morago

89 Km !!! That's not a chlid's play.!Well done ,Kolobe ya bjatladi.
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Jun 4, 2012

Makhosini0408

Congratulations Mr Mamabolo

You derserve Bells. I know Absa will ride on you success by turning your unpaid leave into paid leave.
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Jun 4, 2012

MyPot

u deserve it my hero...now go and drink at jembe tarvn 24/7...Capricorn AM will give ts best music 4 u
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