daniel chigunwe
Collin Matiza Sports Editor
AFTER having been crowned a triple motocross champion in South Africa this year, Emmanuel Bako has now set his sights on winning both the 85cc and 125cc titles at the Zimbabwe Summer Series at Donnybrook Park Raceway.
The three-day Zimbabwe Summer Series, scheduled to be held on December 8, 10 and 12, is an annual event, which marks the end of the motocross season, in this country.
It consists of two Supercross (night racing events) and a full day of motocross racing.
The two Supercross events will be staged on December 8 and 10 while the motocross race day has been set for December 12.
This exciting dirt bike riding event usually attracts top junior and senior riders from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Uganda and the UK.
And, 14-year-old Bako has indicated, through his father and manager, Brighton, has now shifted his focus to competing in the Summer Series.
During a fruitful year in South Africa this season, Bako was first crowned a Northern Regions Championship series champion before he clinched the Inland Championship title.
He then went on to take home the overall 85cc Pro Mini Class title in the 2021 South African National Motocross Championship series.
“Emmanuel is now returning home to prepare for the Zimbabwe Summer Series where he needs to win the 85cc Class, and will also battle for the 125cc Class title, with his arch-rival Daiyaan Manuel.
“He is more than ready to compete in this event and his bikes are now on their way to Zimbabwe from South Africa.
“He’s raring to go after his recent remarkable achievement in South Africa.
“I’m really proud of him because winning the National Championship, the Regional Championship and Inland Championship titles in South Africa is not easy.
“I don’t think anyone has won three championships during one season in the history of motocross in South Africa.
“What Emmanuel did this year is just phenomenal.
“For Emmanuel to end the season as a triple motocross champion in South Africa is something we, as Zimbabweans, should all be proud of and cherish,’’ Brighton said.
Emmanuel will be joined on the track by his young brother, Junior, who rides in the 50cc Class, and cousin, Munyaradzi, a 65cc Class rider.
Meanwhile, 10 Zambian riders, who will be led by that country’s seasoned campaigner Dale Holliday, have already confirmed their participation at this year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series.
They will be joined by an England-born 14-year-old Zimbabwean rider, Tyler Mabika, who rides in the 85cc Class.
Online Reporter