Dijana and close friend Edward Mothibi were unveiled this week as Hollywood’s headline signings for the 2026 season, a move that has raised expectations at the Durban-based club.

Hollywood recently celebrated its first women’s Comrades title after signing four-time champion Gerda Steyn and is now eager to land its maiden men’s crown — a feat many believe Dijana and Mothibi could deliver.

But Dijana, who left Nedbank Running Club as the 2025 Comrades champion, insists his switch to KwaZulu-Natal has not come with added pressure or expectations.

“As an individual, I would love to win Comrades, but I’m not saying I will win it this year,” Dijana told SABC Sport. “The management has made it clear that they are not putting us under pressure, and I’m also not putting myself under pressure, just like I’ve always done. I don’t like pressure and I’ve always said that.”

READ: Edward Mothibi insists move to Hollywood Athletics Club was a joint decision

Only a handful of athletes have won the Comrades Marathon while representing different clubs, with Steyn achieving that rare feat last year by claiming the title with her third club. Dijana could join that exclusive list should he claim a fourth victory in Hollywood colours, but he is not entertaining such thoughts.

Instead, the seasoned runner is focused on thorough preparation for the 14 June up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, without burdening himself with expectations.

“I don’t want to put myself under pressure by saying I will win it,” he added. “What I can say is that I will prepare well and give my best. I don’t want to make promises that I cannot keep.”

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