13 Jul 2025

The third round of the Botswana National Motorcross championship race did not get the desired spark as few riders turned up.

The event was hosted by the Kalahari Cross Country racing team at Mmopane motorcross track on Saturday. 

Botswana Motorsport (BMS) publicity secretary, Motlapele Majama said the race struggled to attract a sizeable number of riders owing to a number of reasons among them failure to comply with International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) affiliation regulations.

Majama said most clubs had shown interest to take part in the third installment of the race but pulled out at the eleventh hour.

He said BMS was not in good standing at the motorcycling governing body hence the disparities with the local clubs.

“We are unable to participate in FIM sanctioned events as the motherbody has suspended our services. We are planning to call a special general assembly and see how we move forward. We have to also adopt a new constitution and call fresh elections,” he said.

The national team is preparing to participate in the FIM Africa Motorcross of African Nations (MXoAN) billed for Harare mid August.

However, based on the current circumstances, team’s participation at the event remains doubtful.

Orapa Motorsport and national team manager, Jacky Ntshebe said the low turnout was a big blow to their team’s preparations.

She attributed the low turn up to participation of some of their athletes in Motorsport South Africa event and said some had mechanical issues with their two wheelers.

However, Ntshebe remained hopeful of team Botswana’s participation in Zimbabwe and said the selection process was ongoing to assemble a pool of riders for national team slots.

The few riders, who pitched up, displayed exciting techniques to the delight of a good crowd who had gathered for the outdoor event at the Mmopane motocross track near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on the outskirts of Mmopane.

National team captain and national motocross defending champion, Kosmas Mamaloukos continued his good run in the MX2 elite class earning 50points ahead of Cyle Pretorius sitting on 44points.

In the 85cc top class, Tommy Wotherspoon scooped 50points coming ahead of Adam Meyer and Kassandros Mamaloukos with 44 and 40 points respectively.

In the 65cc class Liam Pretorius beat Luke Van Zyl to the first spot while the juniors class was won by Casey Van Niekerk coming ahead of Athena Mamaloukos, who did not finish her race due to an injury. ENDS