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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

THE Nyamupfukudza siblings, Tadiwanashe and Victor, headline a depleted Team Zimbabwe to compete at the three-day 2022 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Continental Championship (MXOAN) which begins today at the iconic Victoria Raceway Park, Garuga at Entebbe, Uganda.

While the MXOAN is one of the few motorcycle events recognised as a ‘’Team’’ event where the points of the official riders are tallied to determine who the winning African nation will be, Zimbabwe start on the backfoot after sending only three riders.

Elroy Shamuyarira is the other athlete set to compete at the meet.

The 15-year-old Tadiwanashe is competing in the WMX 125cc Women’s category while eight-year-old Victor and Shamuyarira do battle in the 50cc Class.

The Nyamupfukudza siblings’ father, Simbarashe, is the coach and manager for the three and yesterday expressed confidence the team will do well and hoist the country’s flag.

“We could have wanted to travel as a big team but we only have three members in Team Zimbabwe. The tallying used in this continental meet is a bit different as points are pooled together and results are announced for teams not individuals.

“A proper team should have five riders but we have only three athletes. But we will do everything to try and get respectable results for our country. We got some financial assistance from different individuals who include Mashwede Holdings and Eland Oak Junior School, Victor’s school, for the journey.

“We will fight for the badge and the flag. We have the three who are so passionate about their game. They will do well despite our logistical setbacks we also encountered in transporting the bikes.

“The three are ready and they have told me they will summon all their energies towards winning the races they will take part in. This is our first time to compete in this event as the Nyamupfukudzas.

“We are ready to roar and make sure our country is happy.”

Reigning champions South Africa, Zambia and the hosts are some of the countries expected to give Team Zimbabwe a good run for their money. Nyamupfukudza is hoping the huge crowds who often attend this event, especially in Uganda, will not intimidate the young Zimbabwean riders.