THE Zimbabwe motocross team is buzzing after it claimed a second place finish at the Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) Zone 7 championships which were held in Cape Town South Africa last weekend.
Zimbabwe sent a 25-member team to compete against riders from nine other countries namely Zambia, Namibia, Uganda, Kenya Botswana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Lesotho and hosts South Africa.
As expected, South Africa dominated the event and emerged runaway winners in the competition, which took place from August 11–13 after amassing 728 points over the three days while Zimbabwe had 384 points in a runners-up position.
Public relations and media liason for Motorsport Zimbabwe Jamie Kerwin, who was also the team manager in Cape Town was full of praise for the team that did duty in South Africa.
"The whole Zimbabwe team were in top form. In the weeks prior to the event the team trained tirelessly. Each class had a huge field of riders and Zimbabwe rode hard and did well," she told The Sports Hub.
"The sport has grown considerably. However, there is room to grow, but it is a costly sport. All our riders are super stars and did incredibly well. Warren Thorne did us proud in the veterans class as well as Trevor Thixton in our masters.
"Young Kudzwai Chitsurura in 65cc and Riley Rocher in the 85cc class are up and coming. Sadly Emmanuel Bako had some engine trouble and a big crash. Young Victor Nyamupfukudza in the 50cc class did very well getting a podium," Kerwin added.
Zambia finished in third place with 233 points while Namibia settled for fourth after amassing 206 points and Uganda, who were strong in the MX 2 class, had to make do with fifth position with 191 points.
For Zimbabwean riders, focus now shifts to the annual Summer Series, which is to be held at Donnybrook Park in December while others will compete in local competitions as well as in South Africa.
"The MXOAN is the biggest competition in Africa for the year. However our riders will begin to train for the annual Summer Series that will take place in December at Donnybrook Park in Manresa. This event attracts riders from all over Africa and as far as Europe and the USA," Kerwin said.