Jefferies hails Shamu support

The teenager, who is now based in London, was represented by his publicist Clinton Mutambo.
Mutambo said the picture is in recognition of the minister’s support, which goes back to 2009 during his Formula BMW days, when Shamu welcomed him at the Harare International Airport after he came tops in Malaysia.
In 2010 Air Zimbabwe came on board as Jefferies’ airline sponsor.
Mutambo said they appreciate the minister’s support as it opened opportunities for sponsors to come on board.
“As a man of honor, Honourable minister your support is supported. This picture is a personal gift from the family (Jefferies) and we look forward to continue working with you.
“Minister Shamu put his busy schedule aside to come and welcome Axcil and that moment was symbolic because we got commitment from Air Zimbabwe as Axcil’s airline sponsors and this is a Thank You from the Jefferies and Mutambo.
“He (Shamu) always rallies behind us,” said Mutambo.
The minister commended Jefferies for his commitment despite the challenges that comes with the sport.
“I am very pleased to hear the exploits of our rising motor racing star, Axcil Jefferies, and salute him for the tremendous impact he has made in the sport in such a short space of time and at the tender age of 17.
“In 2009 we celebrated his Formula racing conquest in Malaysia when he was one of the three junior cadets selected by BMW for its Formula BMW Asia Pacific championship.
“He was also the only African in that championship.
“Jefferies has defied challenges related to raising sponsorship as he pursues his dream of becoming the only African to reach Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsport in the world.
“That dream is well on course as Jefferies has been accepted in Formula Two, a championship which is just below Formula One.
“The trailblazing 17-year-old has become the first African to reach that stage in which he will be competing against much older and more experienced competitors,” said Shamu.
Jefferies will be racing across the Europe’s most prestigious racing circuits in Belgium, England, France , Germany , Italy , Hungary and Portugal .
“This is an opportunity for Jefferies to further his career and enter the history books. We are confident that he will remain resilient and that his good form persists until he graduates into Formula One. We are extremely pleased with how he continue to excel in this sport,” said Shamu.
Shamu said there was need for Zimbabweans to support the young driver as he represents the nation in the European circuits.
“What is now of paramount importance is for us all to give as much support as possible to Jefferies so that he makes it in Formula Two and graduates to the most prestigious sporting platform of Formula One.
“I would therefore like to call upon the corporate sector to rally behind Jefferies and offer him financial and material support to enable him to concentrate support to enable him to concentrate on reaping the desired results on the various circuits in Europe.
“He is a very talented teenager who oozes with a lot of confidence. I urge him to always strive to improve the quality of his driving. It is good that he is still young and he has got time on his side. He can become the best driver ever on the African continent and even gun for the most prestigious world titles in this sport,” said Shamu.
Shamu saluted Axcil’s father, Suhail, for supporting the country’s tourism drive by carrying the message “Visit Zimbabwe” on Jefferies car.