Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN karting has taken another significant step onto the continental motorsport stage, with young drivers Seth Rukato and Kufara Chimuti representing the country at the recent Karting Africa Show Run in Angola — an initiative that could help shape the future of African racing.
The event brought together young competitors from across Africa, showcasing emerging talent while laying the foundations for an ambitious plan to develop future African racing stars
For Zimbabwe, the participation of Rukato and Chimuti was a valuable opportunity to gain regional experience, test their skills against unfamiliar competition and demonstrate the potential of the country’s developing karting programme.
Both drivers, members of Kart Sport Club Zimbabwe, performed commendably in an event that offered far more than a weekend of racing. It provided a glimpse of what could become a new era for African motorsport.
Behind Team Zimbabwe’s participation was Kevin Dufty, who organised the country’s involvement and helped ensure that the two youngsters could take their place in this historic continental initiative.
Zac Dufty also played a notable role at the event, earning the privilege of conducting the drivers’ track walk.
This responsibility recognised his karting skill, experience and understanding of racing circuits, while allowing him to contribute to the preparation and development of the participating drivers.
A track walk is an important part of a driver’s preparation, helping competitors understand circuit layout, braking points, racing lines and other details that can make a difference once competition begins.
The involvement of the father and son duo highlights the importance of experienced people working be-hind the scenes to support young drivers and help African motorsport develop.
While the Angola Show Run was an important milestone, the real significance lies in what comes next.
WORR Motorsport from South Africa are driving the Karting Africa initiative with a vision that extends well beyond individual events. The objective is to establish a structured development pathway for African youngsters, progressing from grassroots karting towards professional racing and, ultimately, the ambition of producing future African Formula One drivers.
Plans for a four-round Pan-African Karting Africa Championship in 2027 could provide the consistency and competitive structure needed to turn that vision into reality.
WORR Motorsport deserves considerable credit for the vision, organisation and commitment being invested in developing the initiative. Turning a continental motorsport ambition into a sustainable programme re-quires substantial collaboration, and the Angolan event demonstrated the potential of bringing African countries together behind a common goal.
Zimbabwe’s ambitions on the continental stage are being supported by development work at home, particularly through Pole Position Karts and its circuit, which meets FIA (the world governing body for motor-sport) standards.
The Harare venue is playing an important role in widening access to motorsport, providing opportunities for the public to experience karting while supporting competitive racing and the development of young drivers through organised championships with Kart Sport Club.
That grassroots foundation is essential if Zimbabwe is to produce drivers capable of competing consistently at regional and international level. The journey towards professional racing begins with access to a suitable circuit, competitive opportunities, experienced guidance and a clear development pathway.
Pole Position Karts’ commitment to developing Zimbabwean karting therefore complements the wider objectives of Karting Africa: identifying talent, nurturing ability and giving young drivers opportunities to progress.
There is also the prospect of Zimbabwe hosting a round of the proposed championship in 2027, which would bring further international exposure and potentially deliver economic benefits through visiting teams, competitors and supporters.
For Rukato and Chimuti, Angola represents another chapter in their racing journeys. For Zimbabwe, it is evidence of the value of investing in young talent and creating opportunities beyond national borders.
The Angola event may have been a Show Run, but the ambition behind it is much greater: to build a future in which African drivers are not simply watching international motorsport from the sidelines, but actively competing in it.
