The 2025 athletics season is now in full swing, and the Hollywood Athletics Club is not only continuing to grow the social masses, but the elite stable of Purple Stars is also growing in stature. With some recent big signings, we have a look at who to look out for on the road in Hollywood Purple this season.
Steyn’s Arrival Bolsters Women’s Squad
In arguably the biggest signing in our Club’s short tenure in the Elite ranks, Hollywood Athletics Club unveiled the signing of the Queen of the Road, Gerda Steyn at Hollywoodbets Greyville.
The queen of distance running in South Africa proudly donned her purple Hollywood Athletics Club tracksuit and was welcomed by fellow teammates, Hollywoodbets staff and members of the media. “I am absolutely thrilled to officially be a member of the Hollywood Athletics Club as we have been in talks for a while, so it is amazing that it has happened now and it’s an honour to represent the team,” said Steyn.
“Running for a new team is a big thing and I am so impressed with how the club itself has grown over the past few years so to now be part of that gives me motivation for a big year ahead.”
Steyn joins other elite Purple Stars in the Hollywood Athletics Club stable such as Carla Molinaro, Irvette van Zyl and Loveness Madziva making for a very strong Two Oceans and Comrades team. Hollywood Athletics Club Elite Manager Manfred Seidler is very upbeat about the team for 2025.
“We are very excited for 2025 and with our new signings, we believe that we are looking really good this year,” said Seidler.
“We have streamlined our squad and are quite bullish about our hopes at Two Oceans and Soweto in both the men’s and women’s squads. Our Comrades ladies team is also very strong, so we are very excited about what lies ahead.”
Besides a very strong Two Oceans and Comrades ladies team, Purple Stars Cian Oldknow and Tayla Kavanagh bring their speed to the roads and Oldknow will be looking at a quick marathon in April while also going back to the shorter distances in search of PB’s in the 10km and Half Marathon.
Kavanagh will also look to dominate over the 10km and Half Marathon distances. Neheng Khatala had a stand out 2024 where she lined up in 19 races and was on the podium on 16 occasions, including winning the Hollywoodbets Durban 10k and Soweto Marathon. She will be looking to build on her impressive 2024. Look out soon for a big announcement regarding Khatala’s 2025 plans.
Mokoka and the Men Target Ultra Success
On the men’s side, multiple national champion from the track to the roads, Stephen Mokoka heads up a strong men’s team and will be looking to make amends at this year’s Two Oceans Marathon.
The man who boasts a 2:06:42 marathon best set in Osaka back in 2023, ran last year but due to low blood sugar pulled out with less than 5km to go. It’s a blemish on his illustrious career he wishes to erase. Joining him at the Cape Ultra will be 2024 Two Oceans Marathon gold medallist and Soweto Marathon runner up, Joseph Seuloali as well as Nkosikhona Mhlwakana, Msawenkosi Mthalane and Tsepo Ramashamole.
Over the shorter distances and up to the marathon, Mathews Leeto will look to top his 2024 season which saw the man from North West run an incredible 2:09:47 at last year’s Durban International Marathon.
“We have an incredibly vast elite team which takes us all the way from the short distances to the ultras such as the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons,” says Seidler. “It is a great mix. Everyone in the team looks on each other with huge respect. Not only do they wear the same kit, but they share their experiences with others and learn from one another.”
The full Hollywood Athletics Club elite team for 2025:
- Carla Molinaro
- Cian Oldknow
- Gerda Steyn
- Irvette van Zyl
- Joseph Seutloali
- Loveness Madziva
- Makhosazana Mhlongo
- Mathews Leeto
- Melinda Jansen van Vuuren
- Melissa Jansen van Vuuren
- Msawenkosi Mthalane
- Neheng Khatala
- Nkosikhona Mhlwakana
- Reghen Magwai
- Rutendo Nyahora
- Sikhumbuzo Seme
- Simphiwe Zulu
- Stephen Mokoka
- Tayla Kavanagh
- Tsépo Ramashamole
