South Africa’s elite ultra-running landscape has shifted dramatically, with Nedbank Running Club (NRC) confirming that defending Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana and former winner Edward Mothibi will not represent the club in the 2026 season.
Nedbank RC athlete manager Nick Bester confirmed the news on Wednesday, marking the end of a highly successful era for the club’s iconic green vest.
According to Bester, the split was driven by financial considerations, with both athletes requesting monthly retainers beyond what the club could sustainably offer.
A strategic separation
“We wish to acknowledge the departure of two of South Africa’s most celebrated ultramarathoners,” the club said in a statement.
“While their contracts have not been renewed due to retainer rates exceeding what the club can sustainably offer, we hold the deepest respect for their achievements and contributions to the green dream.”
Bester emphasised that the decision was rooted in long-term sustainability rather than short-term success.
“Our club’s legacy is built on identifying and nurturing the next generation of stars,” he said.
“By focusing on talent identification and athlete development, we continue to set the pace for the sport nationwide.”
Hollywood AC loom large
The announcement came a day before Hollywood Athletic Club is set to unveil two marquee signings in Durban on Thursday, 22 January.
All indications suggest that Dijana and Mothibi will follow a path already taken by Gerda Steyn, the reigning Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon champion, who has represented Hollywood AC for the past two seasons.
Steyn’s move to Hollywood AC has coincided with the club’s rapid rise to dominance in ultra-distance running, and the addition of Dijana and Mothibi would further consolidate that position.
Dijana is a three-time Comrades Marathon winner having triumphed in 2022, 2023 and 2025, while Mothibi was the winner in 2019.
Steyn is a four-time Comrades Marathon victor, having crossed the finish line first in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Nedbank RC looks to the future
While losing proven champions reshapes the immediate competitive picture, Nedbank RC has wasted little time in signalling a new direction.
The club has unveiled a wave of promising signings for the 2026 season, with a particular focus on KwaZulu-Natal, which it described as “brimming with untapped potential”.
New recruits Sithembiso Mqhele, Musawenkosi Mthalane, Sinethemba Tshangase, Bonginkosi Mavuso, Thokozani Mbambo and Dion Ross have joined the NRC ranks.
The club has also identified Onalenna Khonkhobe and George Kusche as leading contenders for both the Two Oceans Marathon and the Comrades Marathon.
“Their performances and dedication position them among the top athletes to watch this season,” the club said.
A shifting front pack
In elite distance running, contracts can be as tactical as race plans. Athletes at the peak of their careers seek security that reflects their value, while clubs must balance loyalty with sustainability. When those goals diverge, even the strongest packs can splinter.
For Nedbank RC, the departure of Dijana and Mothibi signals a calculated reset. For Hollywood AC, the imminent signings could represent another decisive surge in an already fast-finishing season.
As the build-up to the 2026 Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon gathers pace, one thing is clear: the colour at the front of South African ultra-running is changing, and the race narrative has found a new lead group.
This year’s Two Oceans Ultra Marathon will take place on Saturday, 11 April, while the Comrades Marathon is set for Sunday, 14 June and will be an ‘up’ run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
