Online Reporter
Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
EVER since he was a little boy, Rayhaan Maganezi has wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and compete in the tough world of motorsport.
Rayhaan is the son of former motor rally driver Robson Maganezi who was one of the few black drivers who ventured into rallying both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
That was in the mid-2000s.
Robson Maganezi, who grew up in Bindura before he left Zimbabwe to settle in Kempton Park near Johannesburg, was last seen in action in a local motor racing competition when he took part in the Zimbabwe Challenge Rally in 2010 before he made “a disappearing act” from local motorsport only to resurface during a drag racing event at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare in October 2013 where he brought his two Subarus.
Since then, the soft-spoken Robson disappeared from the motor racing radar both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
But his legacy is being carried on by his 27-year-old son, Rayhaan.
Now, slowly but surely, Rayhaan is building his own career in the sport.
He is currently racing in Zimbabwean colours in the Time Attack series in South Africa.
The Time attack is a motorsport event where individual drivers race against the clock around a circuit to achieve the fastest single lap time, rather than competing side-by-side.
Unlike traditional races where cars start together, drivers hit the track individually or in small groups to avoid traffic, focusing purely on speed and precision.
This specifically suits entries of drivers who compete with everyday road going vehicles.
Based on the road car, only a couple of parts of the vehicle are changed to maintain the feel of the machine but still provide the driver with a test in skill, stamina and crafting their talents to higher categories in the future.
Rayhaan is a regular feature at the iconic South African motor racing venue — Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit — in Midrand, where he competes in a 2013 Fiesta ST.
It is the perfect breeding ground for young drivers and those looking to further progress their careers like Rayhaan.
“I race with a 2013 Fiesta ST with a few modifications on the braking system,” Rayhaan recently told Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in South Africa.
“I started off as a daily entry last year and this year I’m registered for a full season of racing in the street FWD Class which is generally the slowest category because of also having low engine capacity of less than 2L and only minimal modifications are allowed.
“During the course of this year, as a registered driver, I have already completed two events. One being Round 1 at Redstar Raceway in Delmas, and Round 2 was held a fortnight ago at Kyalami.
“I managed to snatch a 3rd place finish in my class at Redstar and then 4th in the same class at Kyalami.
“I currently stand 3rd in the overall championship with two races to go. Round 3 is Redstar on the 3rd of October and Round 4 will be Formula K in Benoni,” Rayhaan said.
He races under a racing team that he formed and is called Jozi Boost, which originates from his passion for motorsport.
He promotes this team on Instagram and with branding on the vehicle to spark conversations about how to get into motorsport.
“The truth about motorsport is that it’s perceived as overly costly to enter and participate, and I want to challenge that misconception by informing enthusiastic drivers who are dreaming of racing, just like myself.
“I use this platform to engage with people and share my learnings on how to do race day vehicle preparation, driver preparation and break down the walls that exist in motorsport.
“Jozi Boost, which started as a passion for cars and just posting pictures of nice vehicles I come across, has now become a banner for what I want motorsport to become in Africa, accessible to all, men and women, young and old.
“We’re only a team of four attending and participating in these race days, but we are a force to be reckoned with.
“Jozi Boost is currently self-funded. However, I would like to open up opportunities for the right brands to collaborate and build the vision, provided there’s alignment.
“Future revenue can be put into acquiring a second vehicle and providing an opportunity to a willing and able driver to take the wheel and hone their skills and increase the talent levels within the Jozi Boost Racing Team.
“The previous Vilaca event at Kyalami was intense, three days on the track with short high intensity sessions, but most importantly, it was a dream come true and I was just trying to live in the moment!
“I recorded a PB of 2:16.843, made many friends, and got to connect with many strangers who took interest in the racing as well as what we stand for.
“It will be great to invite more people to the series in the SADC region to increase the competitiveness in Vilaca, though it’s already extremely competitive as it is.
“As the past weekend has just wrapped up, we are all now preparing for the next event, looking at repairs and possible modifications to gain even more seconds against the clock!” Rayhaan said. He also saluted members of his Jozi Boost Racing Team, which includes his fiancée, Kgothatso Khiba (they are tying the knot in December this year).
“Kgothatso Khiba, my fiancée, works hand-in-hand with my sister Salma Maganezi, and they are in charge of marketing, trying to get sponsorships and promoting the brand, and bringing more people to the events.
“There’s also Seitshiro Sethaelo, cousin and technical manager, ensuring the car passes inspections and does final checks before the vehicle goes out onto the track,” Rayhaan said.
The young driver has followed his father’s footsteps all the way to victory lane, but he is doing it by paving his own path.
