Online Reporter
Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S all set for another dose of grit and gusto as the 2025 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Continental Championships burst into life at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare today.
A total of 141 riders from eight African countries — South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe — will congregate at this iconic motorsport venue in Harare for the continent’s biggest motorcycling jamboree.
The MXOAN are back to this part of the world after Zimbabwe last hosted them in 2019 at Donnybrook.
Marco Comana, the FIM Africa president, said they were looking forward to witnessing one of the fiercest continental motocross events in the history of this exciting sport during the two-day event which starts today and ends tomorrow.
“On behalf of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and our Continental Union, FIM Africa, it gives me great pleasure to welcome all 141 riders from eight national teams to the 22nd edition of the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXΟΑΝ) 2025.
“This year, we return to Harare, and in particular to the iconic Donnybrook Park, a venue that has become synonymous with this championship.
“Donnybrook has earned its place in our history as the host of the very first MXOAN in August 1999, back when the event was still known as the AMU Continental Motocross, the former name of FIM Africa.
“Since those early days, the Motocross of African Nations has grown steadily. From just four participating countries, we now welcome double that number, a clear testament to the continued growth and popularity of motocross across our continent.
“We are proud to have the strong support of teams from Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Madagascar, Zambia, and Kenya.
“The FIM Africa Board extends its sincere appreciation to the president of Motorsport Zimbabwe, Ralph Stead, for graciously taking up the challenge of hosting this prestigious event.
“We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Organising Committee, led by Scott Fraser and Jamie Kerwin, whose commitment has brought us to this moment,” Comana said. He also said that they are committed to ensuring that all riders compete within the framework of the newly updated FIM Africa Sporting Rules and that motocross continues to evolve as a sport defined by fair and respectful competition.
“To all riders: please race safely. While we celebrate the passionate and patriotic rivalry among teams, I urge you to compete within your limits and look after your well-being, and that of your fellow riders.
“Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all event officials and marshals, each of whom serves voluntarily to ensure the safety of participants and spectators and to uphold the principles of fair competition.
“Best wishes to all teams and competitors. Let the racing begin!” Comana said.
Ralph Stead, the president of Motorsport Zimbabwe, also welcomed the 141 riders who are set to set the track alight during this weekend’s MXOAN.
“This is Africa’s most prestigious motocross event of the year where we see Africa’s best motocross riders battling it out for top honours to bring glory to their countries.
“It gives Motorsport Zimbabwe great pleasure to be hosting this event again and hosting teams from all around Africa.
“Any event of this magnitude takes a huge amount of work and effort for it to succeed. On the ground, our organising team have put in very long hours, day and night to put this event together to the high standard they strive for.
“Well done to them all. Of course, on the day, there is another large team being all the officials, marshalls, medical staff, journalists, the press and those behind the scenes ensuring all runs well. Our thanks to them as well.
“We are talking about motocross action and our thanks go to the teams who have made such large efforts to travel to Zimbabwe to be part of this great event. They are the stars for the weekend and will be the ones everyone will be coming to watch and be entertained by.
“To all those who have travelled from afar, Motorsport Zimbabwe warmly welcomes you to Zimbabwe. We hope you will spend some time enjoying our hospitality.
“Thanks to all the spectators who will come to witness and be entertained by this motorcycle spectacle.
“I wish everyone a truly great weekend of fantastic riding and sportsmanship,” Stead said.
Zimbabwe, as the host nation, will field the biggest number of riders, who will be led by Marc Thompson who will be fighting for the top step on the podium with 13 other riders in the Veterans Class.
Thompson will be joined by six other seasoned Zimbabwean riders — Dougie Mellor, Daniel Scott, Daniel West, Scott Fraser, Roy Ormerod and Patrick Weeden — in the Veterans Class.
Former Zimbabwe champion rider Ashley Thixton will be carrying the country’s flag in the MX1 Class together with Tristan Versveld, Munya Bako, Jayden Ashwell and Sean Mitchell.
The MX1 Class has attracted a good field of 12 riders.
There will be 10 riders in the MX2 Class and they include talented Zimbabwean dirt bike “combatants” Emmanuel Bako, Daiyaan “D” Manuel and Cameron Mellor.
Willem Krause, Declan Barrett, Tariq Shelton and Riley Rocher are Zimbabwe’s representatives in the 125cc Class which has attracted 18 riders.
In the juniors’ section, a strong field of 25 riders will battle it out for the top honours in the 65cc Class.
In this class, Zimbabwe will field seven of their most promising young riders — Victor Nyamupfukudza, Jayden Kerwin, Chris Mufanechiya, Cameron Fraser, Michael Krause, Elroy Shamuyarira and George Ziemann.
