Pearl champ Kurji sponsors key rival
Apr 10, 2007
RIYAZ Kurji will not defend his title at this weekend’s Pearl of Africa Uganda rally but has thrown his weight behind Ponsiano Lwakataka.
By Douglas Mazune
and Frank Sserugo
RIYAZ Kurji will not defend his title at this weekend’s Pearl of Africa Uganda rally but has thrown his weight behind Ponsiano Lwakataka.
Kurji has provided Lwakataka with the Alpha Rally Team mechanics and spare parts. Former national champion Lwakataka has been dogged by lack of spare parts in previous events.
“We used to be bitter rivals but in a sportsman’s spirit Riyaz has come out to assist me where I was lacking most. This time I am better equipped, they may not survive,†an excited Lwakataka remarked yesterday.
City tycoon Gordon Wavamunno has also facilitated the rebuilding of Lwakataka’s Subaru Impreza engine.
Foreign drivers including Junior World Rally Champion Conrad Rautenbach are already in town for this weekend’s rally.
South African women crew of Lola Verlaque and Megan Verlaque, Zambian Muna Singh, Japanese Hideaki Miyoshi and Kenyan Asad Anwar will go route reccing in Luwero this morning.
In the previous two editions of the rally, foreign competitors were stunned by Lwakataka’s pace, despite driving an inferior car.
One person who is not worried about Lwakataka’s change of fortune is reigning national champion Ronald Ssebuguzi.
Ssebuguzi has revealed that he will resist the temptation to take on foreign drivers and instead focus on neutralising local championship rival Lwakataka.
“I have no business with anyone else. I just want my man Lwakataka,†Ssebuguzi commented.
and Frank Sserugo
RIYAZ Kurji will not defend his title at this weekend’s Pearl of Africa Uganda rally but has thrown his weight behind Ponsiano Lwakataka.
Kurji has provided Lwakataka with the Alpha Rally Team mechanics and spare parts. Former national champion Lwakataka has been dogged by lack of spare parts in previous events.
“We used to be bitter rivals but in a sportsman’s spirit Riyaz has come out to assist me where I was lacking most. This time I am better equipped, they may not survive,†an excited Lwakataka remarked yesterday.
City tycoon Gordon Wavamunno has also facilitated the rebuilding of Lwakataka’s Subaru Impreza engine.
Foreign drivers including Junior World Rally Champion Conrad Rautenbach are already in town for this weekend’s rally.
South African women crew of Lola Verlaque and Megan Verlaque, Zambian Muna Singh, Japanese Hideaki Miyoshi and Kenyan Asad Anwar will go route reccing in Luwero this morning.
In the previous two editions of the rally, foreign competitors were stunned by Lwakataka’s pace, despite driving an inferior car.
One person who is not worried about Lwakataka’s change of fortune is reigning national champion Ronald Ssebuguzi.
Ssebuguzi has revealed that he will resist the temptation to take on foreign drivers and instead focus on neutralising local championship rival Lwakataka.
“I have no business with anyone else. I just want my man Lwakataka,†Ssebuguzi commented.