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Collin Matiza, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NOT even a wasp could stop Zimbabwe’s motocross champion rider Emmanuel Bako from romping to victory during the opening round of the 2025 Mayfair Gearbox Inland Motocross Championship at Erora race track in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday.
This year saw Bako graduating from racing in the 125cc Class into the most testing and tough 250cc Class (MX1 Class).
And the 21-year-old talented Zimbabwean dirt bike rider showed that he was up to the task in this class as he opened the new season in style by taking the first step on the podium at Erora.
This was his first MX1 Class podium finish in his career.
He just proved that he was now “a Monster Rider” by sweeping the opposition away at Erora, where he showcased his brilliance.
Bako, in fact, represented Zimbabwe with perfection during round one of the nine-round Inland Champion-ship, where he was just untouchable on the big bike.
Saturday saw a fired-up Bako back in the familiar territory at the Erora track, and he wagged his tail vigorously as he swept to victory in all his heats.
He has started his year well as he has been training on his new MX 1 Class bike, and his team have engaged a new personal trainer, Tendai Chituwa, to assist him on his fitness, and the results are very much positive considering he is now on a bigger bike.
And coming first in the MX1 Class at Erora marked the beginning of his forthcoming trip to Europe where he will race in the European circuit under his French trainer Joe Tavares.
Bako’s father and manager, Brighton “Bucks” Bako, told Zimpapers Sports Hub soon after Saturday’s race that his son has now set his sights on racing in Europe in the next few weeks. “Emmanuel will be leaving soon to join (his French trainer) Joe Tavares in Europe.
“His riding is very fast and smooth, and I am positive he will do better in Europe under the wings of Joe . . . he is ready to leave, and he will be leaving this February,” Brighton said.
He was also impressed by Emmanuel’s brilliant performance in his first race of the year on a 250cc bike. “Manu (Emmanuel) has started well in the new season, thanks to his sponsors BetterBrands and to his fitness trainer Tendai Chituwa, who has done amazing work, and Delan Gavaza,” Brighton Bako said.
And after a successful outing at Erora, Emmanuel is now looking at keeping the momentum rolling into 2025 as he prepares for his season in Europe. As of today, he’s one of the fastest riders in Zimbabwe and has a good chance at winning races in the European circuit this year, showing that progression and consistency is everything. The Betterbrands-sponsored rider heads into the highly-anticipated 2025 European circuit geared up and ready for a premier-class heavyweight fight with some of the proven riders in Europe.
Online Reporter