adminTadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
TEAM Zimbabwe was depleted and predictably finished far off the podium places.
Just three riders, instead of a minimum of five, took part in the 2022 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Continental Championship (MXOAN) in Entebbe, Uganda, last weekend.
And the trio of siblings Tadiwanashe and Victor Nyamupfukudza; and Elroy Shamuyarira were all debutants at the meet.
The Victoria Raceway Park in Garuga was difficult to navigate and the biggest prospect of them, eight-year-old Victor Nyamupfukudza, even fell in one of the races and failed to hit the finish line.
His bike even developed some mechanical faults and its clutch had to be replaced for a leg and an arm prize of US$800 further straining the pockets of his father and manager, Simbarashe.
The 34-gate start was something involving for the 50cc Class riders, Victor and Shamuyarira who are used to only eight to 10 gate starts. Nonetheless, the team notched fifth place in a competition that was dominated and won by South Africa.
Victor finished eighth overall while Shamuyarira was 11th with Tadiwanashe finishing 10th in the female category.
Had the country sent a minimum of five riders, maybe the overall position could have been better.
Simbarashe, who had to be a parent, coach and manager during the tour, said the championship was an eye-opener.
“Despite all the challenges we faced in preparations for the meet and during the competitions, I think the guys did very well.
“For Victor and Shamuyarira, having a 34-gate start for 50cc was something very difficult. We are used to 8-10 gates only.
“But the guys surprised me by cleanly navigating the difficulties and posting impressive scores.
“And the fifth overall position wasn’t bad at all given the quality of riders who graced this competition,” said Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza.
“I’m quite happy with their performance. Tadiwanashe also rode very well though we couldn’t match the Zambians and South African riders but with practice we will get there, we are looking forward to doing better next year in South Africa.
“We were at the FIM Africa Motocross Championship for the first time and we picked a lot of positives. We need to improve on different aspects while polishing up those aspects we are strong in.
“I would like to reserve some special mention to our sponsors who made the journey possible.
“The trip was funded by Providence Human Capital, Mashwede Holdings as well as Victor’s school, Eland Oak Junior School.”
Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza said they are now looking forward to competing in the three-day 2022 Zimbabwe Summer Series which has been slated for December 9, 10 and 11 at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare.
According to one of the Zimbabwe Summer Series organisers, Doug Mellor, the season-ending event will this year attract riders from Europe, South Africa and Zambia.
This year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series will start with two Supercross (night racing meetings) on December 9 and 10; and they will be followed by a full day of some motocross action on December 11.
Online Reporter