Kenyan and Ugandan riders are gearing up for a thrilling finale as they clash in the second and final round of the FIM Africa Central Africa Motocross Challenge (CAC) this weekend at the Vipingo Ridge racetrack in Kilifi County.
Organized by the Mombasa Motor Club (MMC), the event promises high-speed action with its challenging jumps and turns, testing riders across all categories.
The race also doubles as the ninth and final round of the Kenya National Motocross Championship, adding an extra layer of excitement for the local competitors. As the motocross equivalent of the Elgon Cup in rugby and Victoria Cup in golf, the CAC represents the fierce rivalry between Kenya and Uganda in a home-and-away format.
Team Kenya, led by Apollo Mbuki, captain of the MX1 team at the 2024 Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) in Morocco, is determined to make a statement on home soil. Atete Benzinge, one of the few female riders in the male-dominated sport, aims to dominate her class and build on her recent podium finish in the WMX senior ladies category.
Young talents Chiara Hatanga and Jematia Kangongo, who impressed in Morocco with second and third-place finishes in the 50cc ladies class, are also set to compete and strengthen Kenya’s lineup.
Uganda, however, arrives with momentum after winning the first round of the CAC in March, where they scored 1,540 points to Kenya’s 179. Led by Stav Asiimwe Orland, who claimed gold in the MX2 category at the 2024 MXOAN, the Motocross Cranes are ready to defend their title. Riders like Fortune Emmanuel Ssentamu, Ashim Sserwadda, Isima Mukiibi, and Wazir Al-Muzahim Ali Omar add depth to a team already riding high on recent successes.
The rivalry is expected to intensify on the scenic Vipingo track, where the hot and humid coastal conditions will challenge even the most seasoned riders. With Uganda showcasing dominance throughout the season and Kenya determined to leverage their home advantage, the weekend promises a fierce battle for supremacy.
As the final dust settles on Sunday, the event will not only crown the 2024 CAC champions but also celebrate the growth of motocross in East Africa. Both nations continue to showcase rising talent and solidify their presence on the African motocross stage.
