Motocross: Team Uganda starts preps

Jul 22, 2019

Sh192m will be needed to be able to take a full squad of 34 riders

The national team on Sunday started training for the FIM Motocross of Africa Nations (FIMOAN) due August 31 to September 2 in Zimbabwe.

However, Team Uganda will need sh192m to be able to take a full squad of 34 riders if they are to reclaim the trophy last won in 2012.

The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) deputy vice president in charge of cycling, Barak Orland, disclosed the financial struggles at the launch of the team training at the Uganda Motocross Arena, Busiika.

"We have a very strong team, but it can only win us the title if we manage to take a full squad in Zimbabwe," Orland said.

"We are looking for $52,000, (sh192m) to supplement what we have to be able to cover registration of riders, medical, accommodation and transportation of riders with their bikes from Uganda to Zimbabwe and back," the DVP added.

He explained that each rider will pay $230 which totals to $7,820 (sh28.9m), then the rest will go into catering for accommodation and transport.

eam members during training at usiika on unday hoto by ohnson ereTeam members during training at Busiika on Sunday. Photo by Johnson Were

 

"The parents have invested in the bikes are servicing them incurring training costs and we appeal to the government to come in and give us the push that motivates these young boys and girls that will fly the Uganda flag high," Orland explained.

FMU secretary Joseph Mwangala added that other riders are training outside the country, but will all later train together before departure.

Deputy team captain Asaf Natan explained that they expect to field five riders in each class including MX50, Veterans and 65cc, seven in MX125cc, three in MX2, ten in MX10, three in the ladies and one in the MX1 class.

Last year, Uganda finished fourth overall and will be out to challenge Zambia, Zimbabwe and defending champions South Africa.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});