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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
MOTOCROSS South Africa have given kudos to Zimbabwe for staging what they described as a world class event during last weekend’s 2015 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships at Donnybrook Park in Harare. The two-day African Championships attracted a record strong field of more than 200 junior and senior riders who were drawn from seven countries — Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and the hosts Zimbabwe.

The local organising committee, which was being led by the former chairman of the Bogwheelers Club, Gary Grainger, and the club’s current chairman, Shaun Whyte, staged a flawless event on Saturday and Sunday.

Continental powerhouses South Africa managed to win this event for the third time in a row ahead of Zimbabwe and Zambia as their riders dominated most of the classes in the nine-class championships which also attracted more than 2 000 spectators on the final day on Sunday, which was just a colourful day.

And Motocross South Africa were yesterday the first to congratulate Zimbabwe for staging what they felt was “a wonderful event” at Donnybrook last weekend. Writing on their Facebook wall, Motocross South Africa also gave Grainger and his team a huge pat on the back for running this year’s African Championships smoothly.

“Well done Team SA Motocross (for emerging as the overall winners). Thank you to all the people in Zimbabwe for (staging) a world class event,” Motocross SA said. “So for anyone that hasn’t heard yet, Team SA won the MX of African Nations, our team did such an amazing job!!!

“There were some huge upsets and some incredible surprises but the boys and girls did what they set out to do.

“Thanks to the team manager Grant Foley, all the riders and especially all the moms, dads, family and friends that were there to help and support!

“Thanks so much to Annie Allen for assisting with the transport of the bikes and capturing the event, be sure to follow Traxtion Photography to see the amazing photos in the coming weeks!

“Thanks to Gary Grainger and everyone in Zimbabwe for welcoming us all with open arms!

“Massive thanks to the Dewdney family for giving us a place to stay while in Zim, we really appreciate it.

Lastly we cannot say enough thanks to Janine Koen Cuthbert, Brittany Cuthbert and Shane Baynham for getting us all there and back safely! One road trip we won’t forget.”

Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, was guest of honour during the weekend’s event at Donnybrook.