Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S motocross champion rider Emmanuel Bako has vowed to set this year’s FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships (MXOAN) on fire and he has “pitched his tent” in Austria in preparation for the big continental event.
The 2025 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships are set for Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare from August 15 to 17. The annual continental motorcycling event was initially supposed to be hosted by Kenya but was moved to Zimbabwe due “to some logistical problems,” according to its organisers — FIM Africa.
The event brings together all the top junior and senior male and female motocross riders from Angola, Botswana, Morocco, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and the hosts.
The MXOAN are returning to Zimbabwe after having last been held in this country 10 years ago and one of the country’s top riders, Bako (21), has already stepped up his preparations for this big event. He is now currently in a training camp in Austria under one of Europe’s top motocross trainers, Philip Ringehoefer.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub from Austria yesterday, Bako said he was itching to compete in this year’s MXOAN.
He competes in the seniors’ MX1 Class after having graduated from racing in the 125cc Class. “I’m currently in Europe, in Austria, for a training camp with Philip Ringehoefer from 103 Performance.
“I am training for the FIM Africa race, which will take place at home at Donnybrook in Harare from the 15th to the 17th of August.
“It’s been 10 years now since we last held it, so I’m really looking forward to it and, of course, representing the country.
“Despite only having one race under my belt this year and not riding for about two months due to my knee earlier on this year, I feel we have and should make more progress during my stay here in Austria and hopefully come back and do the job at the race in Harare. Hope to see everyone there soon!
“And, of course, none of this would be possible without the support of my dad (Brighton “Bucks” Bako) and my sponsors Better Brands Racing and Surge Energy Drink Zimbabwe.”
“I hope to make them and my supporters proud at the upcoming event!” Bako said.
The MXOAN is the only motorcycle Continental Championship where riders from throughout Africa will push their limits in an exciting three-day competition.
While Bako has pitched his tent in Europe ahead of the African Championships, promising young rider Victor Nyamupfukudza (10) is a doubtful starter for this big international motocross event.
His father and manager, Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza, revealed yesterday that their bikes “are in pieces” and they were unlikely to race in both this Sunday’s fourth round of the Bogwheelers Club National Championship series and the African Championships.
The fourth round of the 2025 Nationals will be held this Sunday at Donnybrook and will be used by most of the country’s top junior and senior riders as part of their final preparations for the African Championships.
Young Victor Nyamupfukudza is currently fighting to get his bikes fixed ahead of these two big events. His father and manager, Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza, revealed that they were being hampered by financial problems.
“We haven’t been training since the last race . . . “Our bikes are in pieces as we are struggling financially, we will see how it goes on Sunday,” Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza said.
But he is still keeping his fingers crossed, hoping for some well-wishers to come to his son’s rescue ahead of Sunday’s race meeting at Donnybrook.
The iconic motorsport venue played host to an unforgettable weekend during Round 3 of the Nationals at the beginning of last month.
A fun-filled, adrenaline-pumping showdown was witnessed as the nation’s top motocross riders converged for the highly anticipated Round 3 of the 2025 Nationals at Donnybrook a few weeks ago.
Spectators witnessed the skill and determination of these incredible athletes as they battled it out on a challenging track, pushing their limits for crucial championship points. From the youngest racers in the junior categories to the seasoned pros, Round 3 showcased the very best of Zimbabwean motocross talent.
