dyton mupawaenda
Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S back on our doorstep!
For the first time since 2019, Zimbabwe will once again host the prestigious FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships (MXoAN) – with the event roaring back to Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare on August 16.
FIM Africa, the body that oversees the annual continental motorcycling showpiece, confirmed this week that the 2025 edition has been moved from Kenya to Zimbabwe.
The hype is already building for the return of MXoAN, as both Motorsport South Africa — the defending champions — and Motorsport Zimbabwe have confirmed their participation in what promises to be a thrilling continental showdown.
“Change of scenery, same continental battle!
The 2025 Motocross of African Nations is shifting gears — originally set for Kenya, the event will now roar to life at the legendary Donnybrook MX Track in Harare, Zimbabwe on 16 August 2025.
New venue, same fierce fight for African motocross glory!” Motorsport South Africa posted on their Facebook page yesterday.
South Africa, the most decorated nation in the competition’s history, will be aiming to defend their crown once again.
Motorsport Zimbabwe expressed pride and readiness in stepping up as hosts.
“We are pleased to announce that Zimbabwe is the new host nation for the 2025 MXoAN to be held in August 2025 at Donnybrook Park Raceway. Thank you, FIM Africa,” the federation said.
MXoAN remains Africa’s premier motorcycle championship, where top riders from across the continent push their limits in a thrilling two-day event packed with high-speed action and fierce national rivalries.
After being hosted by Uganda in 2022 and South Africa in 2023, the competition returns to Zimbabwe – where it was last staged six years ago. It was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
At the 2024 edition in Marrakech, Morocco, Zimbabwe was represented by just one rider – 10-year-old Victor Nyamupfukudza – but he made his presence felt in spectacular fashion.
The fearless young rider, already something of a sensation, finished second overall in the 65cc Class, raising Zimbabwe’s flag high on foreign soil.
It was a continuation of his continental journey, having previously competed in Uganda (2022) and South Africa (2023), where he helped Zimbabwe’s 50cc team clinch a bronze medal and played a key role in Team Zimbabwe’s second-place overall finish behind South Africa.
In Morocco, Victor was Zimbabwe’s lone warrior among more than 200 riders from 10 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda.
He didn’t just compete – he dazzled.
Victor clenched his fists and beamed with pride after clinching second place behind South Africa’s top junior, Ohan Graven, in the fiercely contested 65cc Class.
Across three high-octane rounds, Victor amassed 41 points, enough to secure the silver medal and reaffirm his growing reputation as one of Africa’s motocross rising stars.
He was accompanied to Marrakech by his father and manager, Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza, who was overwhelmed by his son’s stellar performance.
Victor, undaunted by reputations, began with a fourth-place finish in Heat One. Then came the fireworks in Heat Two – where he went bumper to bumper with Ohan Graven, pushing the South African all the way to the line in what many hailed as the race of the day.
“I was shaking and scratching my head,” said Simbarashe, reflecting on his son’s gutsy display.
At just 10 years old, Victor Nyamupfukudza is turning heads in the motocross world. The daredevil Grade Six pupil from Eland Oak Junior School in Harare’s Waterfalls suburb is proving that age is just a number – and that Zimbabwe’s motocross future might already be here.
Online Reporter