Motorsport�s newest friendly rivalry
Zolani Kraai | Friday May 19, 2017 11:30
With this year’s Khawa Sand Dunes and Cultural Festival preparations at an advanced stage, Chibana and Mamaloukos are both aiming for pole positions. Speaking to Mmegi Sport on Wednesday, Mamaloukos now 14, described Chibana as his best friend but was quick to mention that on the race course, their friendship completely changes.
“He is a good rider, I must say, but he is yet to match me especially on rough and sandy curves. I think he has a bright future and so do I but I am keen to continue racing against him, not to podium limelight but to guide him to reach his goal as well. That’s what friends are for,” Mamaloukos said.
The young lad born of Greek and Motswana parents, competed at Khawa last year and finished sixth, citing technical problems. “This year my aim is to apply new strategies and Khawa lovers should expect me in pole position to the end,” a confident Mamaloukos said.
Supported by his parents George and Roseline, Mamaloukos rides a Yamaha yz85, sponsored by Peak Yamaha in Gaborone. “Thanks to Peak Yamaha, I have been able to take part in a few races, like the one organised by the Botswana National Motocross, Lobelo Racing Club in Francistown, in March this year and I finished first,” he said.
Mamaloukos said this year’s race in Khawa will include a 19.5km doubles equalling about six loops.
For his part, the 15-year-old Kanye lad, Chibana said he is determined to beat the odds and win the Khawa race. He said his father, who has been a pillar of strength, inspired him to reach top form.
He started riding when he was five-years-old and progressed to amateur racing at 10 years in 2009. Chibana said respected local rider, Ross Branch inspired him. He said one day, at the end of a race in Jwaneng, he bravely approached and introduced himself to Branch. “I approached Branch and told him how he inspired me and my wish to become a rider like him. He said that I should live my dream and start training and of course I engaged my friend Kosmas about the idea. Kosmas welcomed me and here we are living our dream to become Botswana champions,” he said.
He said his father, Jones and uncle, gave him the support by buying him his first bike. Thereafter, his uncle also gave him some support on riding techniques and he continues to be his mentor. The first time he got on to the bike he was nervous but he continued to persevere until 2009, when he participated in his first race in Jwaneng. His first sting was on a Yamaha yz125.
Chibana’s first amateur race was in 2011, riding Yamaha yz85. It was a local race and he finished third out of 10 competitors. His second race was in Francistown this year, where he finished third. He has competed in nine races and managed a top five finish in all of them.
The Khawa race will be his second race with his first appearance in 2010 where he crossed the line in eighth position. Chibana describes his friend Mamaloukos as a good boy.
“He is a good rider and we once rode together in the Malotwane race. We were on each other’s tail but he kept on pushing ahead of me, especially at the corners. But I hope I can beat him in Khawa. I believe he is good in corners,” Chibana said.
He said his mother, Lorato and father are supportive and they mentor him after school. His father is a rider while his mother is an aspiring rider. Chibana thinks there is a lot that has to be done to promote the sport and wants to see more women take part in motorsport.
In his view, the government should support local races as way to grow the sport. He is grateful to Peak Yamaha for the support they render to him and his friend Mamaloukos.
The Khawa festival has attracted crowds of over 20,000 between 2014 and 2016, a sign of growth. The motorsport has always been the centre of attraction.