Hollywood Athletics Club has strengthened its elite ranks with the high-profile signings of Comrades Marathon champions Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi.
The duo will now race in the club’s iconic purple and yellow colours, further cementing Hollywood Athletics Club’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in ultra-distance running.
Dijana, a three-time Comrades Marathon champion, and Mothibi, a former Comrades winner, are part of the renowned Rustenburg-based training group known as the “Happy Bunch”.
Dijana triumphed in 2022, 2023 and 2025, while Mothibi was the winner in 2019.
Their arrival adds immense depth to an already formidable squad that includes multiple Comrades Marathon women’s champion Gerda Steyn.
Elite Line-Up Grows Stronger
Also joining the club are Comrades Marathon gold medallist Johannes Makgetla and rising ultra-distance star Ruben Mosiane, creating one of the strongest elite line-ups Hollywood Athletics Club has assembled to date.
All the athletes will be coached by Dave Adams, whose disciplined and methodical approach has consistently delivered success at the Comrades Marathon.
Excitement Around New Chapter
Speaking about his move, Dijana said the club’s environment and long-term vision played a key role in his decision.
“Joining Hollywood Athletics Club is a big step for me. The environment, the support structure, and the vision of the club really stood out. Being part of a team that values both winning and long-term development motivates me to keep pushing my limits at Comrades,” Dijana said.
Mothibi echoed those sentiments, highlighting the strong culture within the team.
“Hollywood Athletics Club feels like the right home for this stage of my career. There’s a winning mindset and genuine care for athletes. Running in the purple and yellow is an honour, and I’m excited to contribute my experience while also helping guide younger runners coming through,” he said.
Focus on the Future
In addition to the established stars, Hollywood Athletics Club has also secured two surprise signings from the Happy Bunch, athletes widely regarded as future Comrades Marathon contenders.
While proven champions like Dijana, Mothibi and Makgetla continue to compete at the highest level, the club has placed strong emphasis on talent development and succession planning, ensuring sustainability at the top end of the sport.
Elite team manager Manfred Seidler welcomed the additions, describing them as part of a broader long-term vision.
“It’s exciting to see how the club has grown from an elite perspective. The addition of the Happy Bunch to the Purple Stars is fantastic. Beyond having superstars, the focus is on nurturing the next generation through coach Dave Adams, as well as through the experience of athletes like Tete and Edward,” Seidler said.
With championship pedigree, emerging talent and a clear development pathway, Hollywood Athletics Club’s Purple Stars look poised to play a leading role at the front of the Comrades Marathon for years to come.
This year’s Comrades Marathon is set for Sunday, 14 June and will be an ‘up’ run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
