Mothibi, a close friend and mentor, stood by Dijana during difficult times when the 37-year-old former security guard struggled with self-confidence.

Even on race day, Mothibi provided crucial support—despite suffering cramps and being unable to stay with Dijana in the latter stages, he made sure his friend had what he needed to push through.

Dijana went on to claim his third down-run victory in five years, crossing the finish line in 5:25:28.

Mothibi, showing his own class and resilience, finished fourth in 5:31:41, earning his fifth gold medal in the 98th edition of the Ultimate Human Race, which ran from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to the People’s Park at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

He believes that Mothibi helped him correct his past mistakes and ensured he didn’t “allow the devil to rob him a second time,” as he put it.

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"Slender (Mothibi) has always looked out for me like a true brother. He constantly checks in to make sure I’m doing well and genuinely wants the best for me," Dijana told SABC Sport.

"On Sunday, I had hoped we’d finish on the podium together, but in the final kilometres, he started cramping. He told me to push ahead and go for the win. I was worried about leaving him, but he insisted I take control of the race. He helps me during training and has been a constant source of support. Last year was tough for me, but he helped me regain my confidence."

Mothibi told the national broadcaster that he was hoping for his teammate Dijana to win the race.

“What happened is that after the 60km mark, when the course started going up and down, I realised it was going to be a tactical race.

Everyone was still feeling fresh. Tete came back and spoke to me, and I said, ‘Let’s wait and see.’ Around 65 to 67km, I started cramping.

He asked if I was okay, and I managed to recover before Cowies Hill. I told him I was feeling better, but after Cowies Hill, my body just couldn’t respond. I told him to run as fast as he could. He didn’t want to leave me, but I insisted and said, ‘Please, win this race for us. Leave me and go,’” Mothibi explained.

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