Online Reporter
Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ONE of Zimbabwe’s top junior motocross riders Riley Rocher is set to plunge into his first major international competition when he takes part in the South African leg of this year’s FIM Motocross (MXGP) World Championship.
The FIM Motocross World Championship is officially returning to South Africa for the first time in 18 years. The MXGP of South Africa (Round 11 of the season) will take place on July 4-5, at the Terra Topia track in Johannesburg.
And young Zimbabwean rider Rocher will be among an array of international riders, drawn from across the globe, who will be showcasing their skills during this two-day event.
And young Rocher’s father, Byran, told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that his 16-year-old son has received a wildcard to rub shoulders with these top professional riders during next month’s MXGP South Africa 2026 in Johannesburg.
Riley has a decorated track record in the sport, including winning the 125cc African Championship in 2025 and holding previous titles such as the Zimbabwe 85cc Champion.
And at just 16 years old, the Zimbabwean motocross sensation is preparing to take the biggest step of his young racing career after being selected for a wildcard entry into the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) event in Johannesburg early next month.
Riley’s journey to this moment has been built on years of dedication, training and success. The young Zimbabwean rider has already achieved an incredible milestone by becoming a five-time Zimbabwe national champion, while also claiming African championship honours in 2025.
The MXGP wildcard opportunity will see Riley line up alongside international stars as he steps up into the highly competitive MX2 Class — a category featuring some of the world’s most talented professional riders.
The challenge ahead is enormous, but for Riley it represents the next stage of a dream that started on local tracks in Zimbabwe and has grown into an international racing journey.
The 2026 season has already been a successful one for Riley, as he currently sits third in the South African National Motocross Championship, competing against some of the strongest riders in the region.
“For a young Zimbabwean rider, getting the opportunity to compete on this stage is something special,” says Riley’s team. “The goal is to learn, compete, represent Zimbabwe proudly and show that African riders can compete at the highest level.”
Riley’s racing journey has been supported by a group of partners who share his ambition of taking Zimbabwean motocross onto the international stage.
“Their commitment has helped provide the platform for Riley to compete at national, African and now world championship level,” Riley’s team said.
