Kenya riders charged to rumble in continental tourney

By FEVERPITCH REPORTER

Kenya will be represented by nine riders during this year’s FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Continental Championship slated for Syringa Park in South Africa on August 31-September 1.

The team is expected to leave this weekend for Johannesburg.

Among the key members of the team are Tutu Maina, Ivan Guya, Rohan Gandhi, Masalule Kituyi “Massa” and Apollo Mbuki.

Kihara siblings Dekker (MX50) and Rolf (MX65) are also among Kenya’s hopefuls and will both be vying for honours in their KTM bikes.

Teaming up with Rolf in the MX65 class is Alex Limo Moi, also in a KTM contraption.

Maina will be the team captain with Guya as his assistant. Fresh from winning the FIM Central Africa Challenge in MX1 & MX2 respectively, they are expected to lead the Kenyan onslaught at the continental extravaganza being    organised by Syringe Motocross Club in Muldersdrift, South Africa.

Mbuki, who skipped the recent FIM Africa Central Africa Championship at the Uganda Motor Sports Arena is back in the groove to bolster Kenya’s fortunes.

Gandhi and Masalule will not only renew their rivalry in the MX125 class, but will be hoping to stave off foreigners’ challenge in what is anticipated to be a thriller in the demanding category.

Massa and Rohan have dictated the pace on the regional scene and one hopes that their fast and furious antics will come in handy for Kenya.

  Last year’s FIM continental championship, which was an instant hit, was hosted by Uganda at the Busiika track.                             Among those expected in the event include hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Morocco, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Tunisia, Botswana Development team, Egypt and Tanzania.

Documentation shall take place from 1200hrs to 1800hrs on Friday, September 30 at Syringa Motocross Track.

The circuit length is 1.2km for the 65cc/85cc and 1.4km for the senior classes. The 50cc diminutives will run on a dedicated circuit of 750m.

The Kenya Team comprises Dekker Kihara (KTM50)-MX50, Rolf Kihara (KTM65) –MX65, Alex Limo Moi (KTM 65)-MX65, Rohan Gandhi (KTM125cc)-MX125, Masalule Kituyi (KTM 125cc)-MX125, Apollo Mbuki (Honda 250cc)-MX2 and Ivan Guya (KTM150cc)-MX2.

Tutu Maina (Kawasaki 250cc)-MX2 (team captain)