adminCollin Matiza
PROMISING young motocross rider Victor Nyamupfukudza is gearing up for the 2024 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) championships in Marrakech, Morocco, with high hopes of bringing a medal back home.
Nyamupfukudza is as cool as ice as he sets his sights on the annual African Championships.
The championships are set to take place from tomorrow to Sunday in Morocco’s fourth-largest city.
The MXoAN are the most prestigious event on the FIM Africa motocross calendar bikes.
And all eyes from Zimbabwe will be firmly fixed on Morocco, as 10-year-old Nyamupfukudza competes in this big continental motorcycling event.
The MXOAN is the only motorcycle continental championship in Africa, where riders from throughout Africa will push their limits in an exciting two-day competition.
And young Nyamupfukudza will be Zimbabwe’s sole representative at the championships where he will be competing in the 65cc Class.
He left for Morocco via Germany yesterday accompanied by his father and manager, Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza, who is convinced that his son will do wonders in Marrakech this weekend.
“We have done everything in terms of training and fitness, and I hope he’s going to do his best. He has the right machine and I’m very positive he’s bringing the trophy home.
“We only got one sponsor — National Foods — who also gave us snacks and treats; and we are so grateful for the help they have given us.
“Betterbrands gave us the bike we are going to use in Marrakech but I paid for the airfares, accommodation, bike freight, etc.”
The trip cost the father and son US$6 800.
Simba Nyamupfukudza said his son felt honoured to be representing Zimbabwe at the African Championships for the third year running.
Victor Nyamupfukudza made his debut appearance at the continental championships in 2022 in Uganda where he competed in the 50cc Class.
He was accompanied to the East African country by his sister Tadiwanashe.
Victor Nyamupfukudza was back in the African trenches in August last year when he was part of Team Zimbabwe and took part in the 2023 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships which were held in Cape Town, South Africa.
And the exciting talented young rider thrilled everybody when he helped the Zimbabwean 50cc Class team to win a bronze medal.
This also helped Team Zimbabwe to finish second overall behind perennial winners South Africa. And Simba Nyamupfukudza is convinced that his son will once again shine.
“Representing Zimbabwe at such a prestigious event is a tremendous honour. It’s a chance for Victor to showcase his talent and determination, especially as Zimbabwe’s sole representative at these prestigious African championships.
“We feel a deep responsibility to uphold the legacy of our country Zimbabwe and inspire future generations of riders,” Simba Nyamupfukudza said.
He agrees that travelling to a foreign country with none of the familiarities of the home will require discipline and focus to succeed at the championships.
“It is encouraging to see Victor participating in this year’s MXOAN where he will meet competitors from various countries on our continent!
“It is going to be an incredible experience for him once again.”
Motorsport Zimbabwe has already wished Victor Nyamupfukudza the best of luck ahead of his departure for Morocco yesterday.
“Best of luck to Victor as he heads off to Morocco to represent Zimbabwe in motocross,” Motor Zimbabwe wrote on their Facebook page.
Meanwhile, 130 riders from 10 African countries are making their way to Marrakech to participate in the championships.
The excitement and anticipation is building up as teams prepare to race for continental glory.
The competitive spirit is contagious, with riders coming from North, South, East, and West Africa.
Online Reporter