Dijana and Mothibi Deny Money Motive in Hollywood Athletics Switch from Nedbank

Key Points

• Morena Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi, recent Comrades Marathon stars, have joined Hollywood Athletics Club from Nedbank Running Club.
• Their move, announced at a glitzy event in Durban’s Umhlanga, was driven by desires for change, growth, and passion, not financial gain.
• Nedbank Running Club manager Nick Bester stated the pair’s contracts were not renewed due to “retainer rates exceeding what the club can sustainably offer.”
• Dijana, with three Comrades titles including the current championship, emphasised running as a passion: “We are not here for money.”
• Mothibi, 2019 Comrades champion and former “Happy Bunch” captain, sought new experiences: “In life a person needs change.”
• Hollywood Athletics Club is described as the “fastest-growing club in the country” with “nice vibes.”
• The duo expects to contribute to podium success but avoided firm promises to evade pressure.
• Other “Happy Bunch” members from Nedbank are anticipated to join Hollywood, referred to as the “purple club.”
• Hollywood manager Brett Goodwin confirmed signing Thabang Mathebula from Pietermaritzburg.
• Dijana and Mothibi must secure their own technical and nutrition sponsorships.
• Focus now shifts to preparing for the 2026 Comrades Marathon uprun to Pietermaritzburg in June.

Umhlanga ((Cardiff Daily) January 24, 2026 – Elite runners Morena Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi have officially joined Hollywood Athletics Club in Durban, dismissing speculation that their high-profile departure from Nedbank Running Club was motivated by money. The duo, celebrated for their Comrades Marathon achievements, made the announcement at a glamorous unveiling in the club’s new Umhlanga offices, confirming months of rumours sparked by their exit from the Nedbank team where they secured multiple silver medals. Hollywood Athletics Club manager Brett Goodwin highlighted the signings as a boost for the club’s ambitions, while addressing claims from former manager Nick Bester that unsustainable retainer demands led to non-renewal of contracts.

What Prompted Dijana and Mothibi’s Move to Hollywood Athletics Club?

The transition of Morena Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi from Nedbank Running Club to Hollywood Athletics Club has ignited discussions within South Africa’s ultramarathon community. As reported in the initial coverage, the pair’s highly-publicised move was framed around personal and professional evolution rather than financial incentives. Dijana, the current Comrades Marathon champion with three titles, articulated a clear motivation for growth. “Obviously, I need to grow. I need to compete at the highest level. So, I think this is the opportunity,” Dijana stated during the announcement event. Mothibi echoed this sentiment, noting the stagnation of staying too long in one place. “In life a person needs change, as being in the same place for a long time can get boring. You have to try and explore and experience how life is outside. That’s how I feel,” Mothibi explained.

Hollywood Athletics Club’s appeal lies in its dynamic environment, according to Mothibi. “I have seen Hollywood Athletics Club as a place where I can come and grow. At the end of the day, Hollywood is the fastest-growing club in the country. As you can see, they have nice vibes. I want to be a part of that,” he said. The club’s manager, Brett Goodwin, welcomed the athletes, underscoring the strategic fit. This move follows speculation inflamed by their departure from Nedbank, where they contributed to the “Happy Bunch” team’s dominance since Mothibi’s 2019 victory.

Why Did Nedbank Running Club Not Renew Dijana and Mothibi’s Contracts?

Nick Bester, manager of Nedbank Running Club, issued a statement addressing the departures directly. He claimed the contracts of Dijana and Mothibi were not renewed because they “requested retainer rates exceeding what the club can sustainably offer.” This assertion directly contrasts the athletes’ narrative of passion over pay. The response from the runners was swift and emphatic. “We are not here for money,” Dijana declared, reinforcing a consistent stance. “Remember, I said it last time, and I have said several times, running is not about the money. It’s about what you want. It should be a passion and love. Not the money. We are not here for money,” Dijana added, speaking at the Hollywood event.

Bester’s comments have added a layer of controversy, but the athletes maintained neutrality, focusing on their new chapter. No further details on the exact retainer figures were disclosed in available reports, preserving the financial specifics under wraps.

What Do Dijana and Mothibi Expect from Their Time at Hollywood?

Expectations for podium finishes remain high given the duo’s pedigree, but Dijana tempered optimism to avoid self-imposed pressure. When pressed on whether Hollywood and the running community should anticipate more podium positions, Dijana was non-committal. “I couldn’t comment because I did not want to put myself under pressure,” he said. Mothibi, formerly captain of the “Happy Bunch” that dominated Comrades for several seasons since his 2019 win, expressed hope for mutual prosperity. “With that, I am hoping that what we are bringing to the team will make the team prosper in the future. I hope we will give the club what we are supposed to do,” Mothibi stated.

The “Happy Bunch” connection persists, with Mothibi noting it as part of the “purple club,” hinting at impending arrivals of other members. This influx could reshape Hollywood’s competitive edge in ultramarathons.

Who Else Has Hollywood Athletics Club Signed Alongside Dijana and Mothibi?

Brett Goodwin, Hollywood Athletics Club manager, revealed an additional signing to bolster the roster. “They also signed another enterprising marathoner, Thabang Mathebula from Pietermaritzburg,” Goodwin announced. This addition complements Dijana and Mothibi, creating a formidable lineup. Regarding support structures, Goodwin clarified sponsorship arrangements. “With regards to their technical and nutrition sponsorship, Dijana and Mothibi were responsible for getting sponsorships for,” he said, indicating the athletes’ autonomy in securing such deals.

How Are Dijana and Mothibi Preparing for the 2026 Comrades Marathon?

Now that the “cat is out of the purple bag,” as described in reports, the focus for Dijana and Mothibi is the 2026 Comrades Marathon uprun to Pietermaritzburg in June. Their preparation aligns with Hollywood’s growth trajectory, leveraging the club’s resources and vibes for peak performance. The event in Umhlanga served not just as an announcement but a launchpad for this campaign, confirming speculation and uniting the pair under new colours.

What Is the Broader Impact on South African Road Running?

This saga underscores tensions in athlete-club dynamics, where sustainability meets ambition. Hollywood’s rise as the “fastest-growing club” challenges established powers like Nedbank, potentially redistributing talent. Dijana’s three Comrades titles and Mothibi’s championship pedigree position Hollywood for contention, while Nedbank’s stance highlights fiscal prudence. Observers await whether more “Happy Bunch” transfers materialise, which could intensify rivalries ahead of June’s ultramarathon showdown. The neutral stance of the athletes—prioritising passion—offers a counterpoint to monetary narratives, enriching the story of South African endurance running.