Apollo, Atete among 15 riders representing Kenya at the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations

With less than a month left until the highly anticipated FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) race in Marrakech, Morocco, which will take place from October 25-27, Team Kenya riders are leaving nothing to chance.

There was a palpable sense of anticipation and enthusiasm after the Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK) revealed the all-star team of 15 motocross riders for the Marrakech extravaganza.

Team Kenya is led in the MX1 class by current champion and national leader Apollo Mbuki, who will once again return to the FIM’s continental showcase in Africa.

Apollo is, overall, the most decorated athlete on the team and will serve as Kenya’s captain at this iconic annual event, which is open to athletes from African FIM member countries.

There are also three competitors in the race, headed by Atete Benzinge, who will be the only representative of the country in the WMX category.

The other girls on the team are Chiara Hatanga and Jematia Kangogo, both competing in the MX50 class.

Reflecting on her choice, Atete said: “I am very excited and can’t wait to represent Team Kenya in Marrakech. While attending Andre Deraden’s recent training camp at the Jamhuri Park racetrack, I learned some new skills that I think will be useful in Morocco. I think I improved my jumping and cornering a lot because that was where my weakness was.

The 15-member team heaved a sigh of relief after the Government of Kenya (GOK) confirmed, through the Ministry of Youth, Creative Economy and Sports, a sponsorship package that will cover the team’s expenses, including accommodation, airline tickets, bicycle transport and visa fees , FIM license fees, entry fees and allowances for competitors.

Also listed on the team are MX50 speedsters, namely Leto Tohani, Jeremy Hawi and Matt Kagondu.

MX65 features artists such as Armani Amani, Dylan Hatanga, Jedo Kagondu, Lemayian Mugo and Jayden Weru.

MX Lite has two riders in Ngengi Kamau and Chemain Kangogo.

Like Apollo and Atete, Fredrick Yongo will be the lone ranger in the MX Vets class for older people who still find riding rewarding and even enjoyable.

MXOAN (the equivalent of AFCON in football) is the most prestigious motocross event on the FIM Africa continental calendar, and this year’s edition will bring together 18 African countries. Kenya last hosted an event at the Jamhuri circuit in August 2016.

The event will include the following classes: MX50 / MX65 / MXLites / MX125 / MX2 / MX1 / WMX and VMX.

Previous FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) hosts

August 11-13, 2023: Cape Town, South Africa

August 19-21, 2022: Victoria Raceway Park, Garuga, Entebbe

2021/2020: postponed due to Covid-19 – Kampala, Uganda

August 30 – September 1, 2019: Donnybrook, Harare, Zimbabwe

August 17-19, 2018: Kitwe, Zambia

August 25 – 27, 2017: Mmamashia, Botswana

August 19-21, 2016: Jamhuri Park, Nairobi Kenya Kenya

August 28-30, 2015: Donnybrook Racecourse, Zimbabwe

August 29-31, 2014: Mindola Dam Kitwe, Zambia

August 31 – September 1, 2013: Syringa Motocross Park, South Africa

August 26, 2012: Kampala, Uganda

August 27-28, 2011: Donnybrook Racecourse, Zimbabwe

August 28-29, 2010: Dirt Bronco, South Africa

June 27-28, 2009: Windhoek Motocross Club, Namibia