Tete Dijana: My move was not motivated by money

The former security guard turned businessman, and elite runner was officially unveiled by the “Purple Team” at their headquarters in Durban on Thursday, alongside his mentor and close friend Edward “Slender” Mothibi. 

Between them, the duo has won the Comrades Marathon four times.

They were treated to a guard of honour and a warm KwaZulu-Natal welcome, prompting Dijana to joke: “I have attended many unveiling ceremonies, but this is the first time I have actually been unveiled,” drawing laughter from the crowd that had gathered to welcome the North West stars from Mahikeng.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Dijana was careful not to criticise his former club. “I don’t want to say negative things about Nedbank Running Club because they did a lot for me. But at the end of the day, I needed to move on,” he said.

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Dijana revealed that he and Mothibi had several discussions towards the end of their contracts last year before deciding on their future. 

“It was either we stay or we leave — that’s part of the game. Reports that we left because of money are not true. It’s about growth. I’m not here for money; money chases me,” he explained.

While he insists the move was about development, Dijana will be under immediate pressure to perform, with expectations that he could become the first male runner from Hollywood Athletics Club to win the Ultimate Human Race.

“It’s about experience and exposure as well. We sat down and made this decision together — it was never about money,” he stressed.

 Dijana also made it clear that his bond with Mothibi remains unbreakable. “There is no Slender without me and no me without Slender. We are a package; we go everywhere together and we don’t betray each other. We make decisions together,” he said.

He believes Hollywood Athletics Club offers an environment unlike any other. “This team is doing things that other clubs can’t do. I already feel at home here, and it feels special to be part of this setup,” Dijana concluded.