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A STAR IN THE MAKING . . . Young Zimbabwean champion motocross rider Daiyaan Manuel (centre) proudly stands at the top of the podium flanked by South Africa’s James Thompson (left) and James Blake from Swaziland after sweeping to victory in the 50cc Class during last weekend’s first-ever Monster Energy Supercross Africa event at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa

Caroline Magenga Sports Reporter
AT first glance Daiyaan Manuel looks like any normal Grade Four pupil who likes video games and hanging out with his mates but there is much more to this young man than meets the eye.

At the tender age of nine, Daiyaan has already proven he is a cut above the rest having created a name for himself in the exciting motorcycling sport of motocross locally and internationally.

Born the only boy in a family of five in Essex, United Kingdom, on March 25 2005 and son to Junior and Yasmin Manuel, the lively and energetic youngster has already shown beyond doubt that he is meant for greatness.

According to his father Junior Manuel, Daiyaan was not always interested in the exhilarating sport of motocross till the time he turned six.

“From the time he was younger he liked soccer, it was only when he was about the age of five that he started taking an interest in (motocross) racing.

“I have a friend of mine Brian Cocker who is deep into the sport and he is the reason we took Daiyaan to Donnybrook to race.

“In his first race he came last but he didn’t mind, he was so excited about racing and from that time he started nagging us for a bike and after we saw how passionately he was into it we decided to back him up.”

Initially the young racer found the going tough, finishing at the bottom but that only served to motivate him.

“In his first races he would come last, but with a bit of practice he started moving up the ladder, finishing fourth, third until he started coming first.

“I remember he went on to win the Pee Wee championship (for riders under the age of seven) and we were so proud of him and we realised that he was as talented as he was passionate about the sport,” said Junior Manuel.

The Pee Wee title turned out to be the beginning in a constantly growing list which also includes the South African National Championship in South Africa, first position in the 50cc Class at the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championship that was held in Kitwe, Zambia, in August, first position in the Monster Energy Supercross Africa in Pretoria, South Africa, last weekend and second place in the WOMZA Championship, which was also held in South Africa, in addition to a host of locally held race meetings titles.

Despite all these achievements, Daiyaan remains humble and down to earth, an attitude he claims is inspired by his parents who he says are his biggest fans.

“I am grateful to my parents for allowing me the chance to realise my dream, they are my biggest motivation and supporters.

“They always say that I should stay humble and down to earth because pride comes before a fall so I have to continue to work hard and remain humble.

“The thing I love most about motocross is the air-time when I am doing jumps, I love the speed and just everything to do with racing,” said Daiyaan.

Away from the race track Daiyaan, who is doing his primary schooling at St John’s Preparatory School in Harare, enjoys interacting with friends, camping, rugby, watching movies and just relaxing with his family.

His priority above everything else, according to his parents, should always be school.

“Initially we were hesitant to support his passion because we were worried that it would affect his education. At times he can spend two days away on a competition and so we were worried it would negatively impact on his education.

“It might be that racing will become his career but education is still more important at the end of the day but his school report always tells a different story, despite the pressure of juggling both school and his passion of motocross racing, he still manages to do exceedingly well at both.

“He gets on well with others at school and enjoys maths, his conduct at school and report card is always impressive.

“Of late we have being exploring the idea of him turning pro if the opportunity presents itself but that depends on whether we can get a sponsor and whether he (Daiyaan) wants to do it because at the end of the day it should all be about what he wants,” Junior Manuel said.

Motorcycling as a sport has remained largely a minority sport in Zimbabwe due to its expensive nature. This season alone the Manuels spent close to US$35 000 on Daiyaan’s bike and trips but it’s a sacrifice they are willingly pay to make their son’s dream a reality.

“It is expensive especially when you don’t have a sponsor and the costs will obviously increase next season because he will be moving up to another class.

“It is hard but he loves it and we don’t want to take that away from him because he would be devastated so for us it’s a sacrifice worth making.

“Me and his mother are so proud of him, win or loss he never gives up and that is his best quality,” said Daiyaan’s father Junior.

Daiyaan’s exceptional riding skills have already caught the eye of the GeBe Foundation, a non-profit organisation from Germany, who have indicated that they would like Daiyaan and other top young Zimbabwean riders such as Kuda Mhene (Jnr), Big “BJ” Chitima (Jnr), Ryan Masimo and Davin Cocker to go and race in the European country in April next year.

The young Zimbabwean riders will also get some expert advise from top German motocross trainers, who work under AMC Zirndorf Motorsport Club in Bavaria, during their stay in Germany next year.

The GeBe-Foundation partners with other organisations to support education, sport, culture and social development in South African disadvantaged communities.

The foundation facilitates international education and sports development programmes, tours, events (sport and music) in Germany,

Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United States.

And the main objective of GeBe Foundation is to enhance, empower and assist youth, in order to add value to their lives.