As the countdown to the 2026 Goiás FIM Intercontinental Games continues, we meet 18-year-old Oratilwe Phiri, who will represent South Africa as part of the FIM Africa Supersport Team in Brazil.

Oratilwe’s introduction to motorcycle racing came through his father, who took him to the track during track days. The experience quickly grew into a passion for racing, with Oratilwe drawn to the speed, the competition and the challenge of fighting with other riders on track.

His ambition is clear:

“I want to reach the top and challenge the best in the world.”

When he found out he had been selected for the FIM Africa team, Oratilwe was excited, especially after seeing his friend and fellow team member KJ Mononyane selected previously and wishing he could be part of the team himself.

For Oratilwe, representing Africa is a source of pride.

“I love being African. I love my country and continent.”

He is looking forward to visiting Brazil, learning a new circuit and making new connections and friendships. His preparation includes competing in both Asia and South Africa, along with plenty of work off the bike to stay fit.

Oratilwe says one of his strengths is his ability to work around problems with the bike without allowing them to slow his progress. He is currently working on his ability to fight in a large group, an important part of racing at this level.

One of his biggest influences has been Marc Marquez, who Oratilwe says has inspired him through his spirit and determination to never give up.

The challenges of competing in motorcycle racing extend beyond the track. Oratilwe identifies funding as one of his biggest challenges, with his family working hard to support both him and his brother in racing.

His proudest achievement has also changed over time. While winning the SBK 600 Championship in South Africa was previously his standout moment, he now points to his first podium in Asia as his proudest achievement.

At the Intercontinental Games, Oratilwe’s goal is simple:

“Learn as quickly as possible and improve quickly to fight at the front.”

Being part of the FIM Africa team will also give him the opportunity to meet riders from other African countries, something he says is not often possible outside of motocross events.

Away from racing, Oratilwe enjoys playing PlayStation and spending time with friends. His favourite circuit is Sepang International Circuit, his dream motorcycle is a Honda, and he describes his racing style in one word: “Aggressive.”

10–13 DECEMBER 2026
GOIÂNIA, BRAZIL

The countdown continues.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIM Intercontinental Games continues, we meet Abigail Bosson, who will represent South Africa as part of the FIM Africa Supersport 300 Team in Brazil.

The 21-year-old automation technician from Cape Town comes from a motorsport family, with both of her parents having raced. After her father passed away, Abigail set herself the goal of following in his footsteps. She eventually convinced her mother to let her onto the track and officially started racing at just nine years old. Abigail Bosson

Her first international race came at 17, when she travelled overseas for the first time. Racing at a track she had never ridden before, Abigail finished in the top 10, a result she remains particularly proud of. Her mother arriving unexpectedly before the race weekend made the experience even more special. Abigail Bosson

Being selected for the FIM Africa team was a major moment for Abigail.

“I was absolutely ecstatic and so incredibly excited to be chosen again.”

For Abigail, representing Africa is about more than racing. She wants to show young girls across the continent that a career in racing is possible and inspire other African riders to believe they can make the jump from local circuits to the international stage. Abigail Bosson

In Brazil, she is particularly looking forward to riding a new circuit, with the event taking place at a MotoGP track, as well as meeting riders from different countries and backgrounds. Abigail Bosson

Her preparation has included increasing her cardio training, boxing, rowing and stationary cycling to prepare for the heat, humidity and possible rain expected in Brazil. On the bike, Abigail identifies her corner speed and exit speed as key strengths, while she is working on improving her confidence through chicanes and over curbs. Abigail Bosson

Her father was the inspiration behind her decision to race, while her mother has played a major role in making her racing career possible through years of financial and personal sacrifice. Abigail has also had to overcome the challenges of funding in motorsport, as well as a serious crash that left her with a badly injured hip. Abigail Bosson

At the FIM Intercontinental Games, Abigail’s goal is clear: to show that African riders can compete alongside the best in the world.

“We may not have a wide selection of international-level race tracks on the continent, but we absolutely know how to ride.” Abigail Bosson

Away from racing, Abigail enjoys enduro riding on her Yamaha WR250 and working on engineering projects. She has even designed and built her own custom lap timer for her race bike. Her favourite circuit is Imola, her dream motorcycle is the Ducati V4, and she describes her racing style as “Assertive.” Abigail Bosson

10–13 DECEMBER 2026
GOIÂNIA, BRAZIL

The countdown continues.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIM Intercontinental Games continues, we meet 17-year-old Diego de Ponte, one of the South African riders selected for the FIM Africa Supersport 300 Team in Brazil.

Diego currently competes in the Spanish Superbike Stock 600 Championship, where he is running second in the championship. His interest in motorcycle racing started during the 2020 lockdown, when he watched MotoGP on television for the first time. He knew almost immediately that racing was what he wanted to do, and rode his first motorcycle in 2021.

For Diego, the attraction is the speed and the feeling that comes with racing.

“The adrenaline is probably what I enjoy so much but also going at crazy speeds seems to make me happy and enjoy what I do.”

When he found out he had been selected to represent FIM Africa, Diego was simply “super happy and really eager to go and ride in Brazil.”

Representing Africa is something Diego takes pride in, describing the opportunity to carry both his home continent and country on his shoulders.

“I couldn’t be more proud.”

In Brazil, Diego is looking forward to learning the new circuit and getting the chance to ride motorcycles he has never ridden before. His preparation is straightforward, with a focus on staying fit and strong and arriving as ready as possible.

Diego describes aggression as one of his biggest strengths on track, while he is working to improve his qualifying laps.

One of his proudest moments so far came earlier this year when he claimed his first podium at Jerez.

His goals for the Intercontinental Games are to learn as much as possible, achieve a good result and enjoy the experience. Being part of a team with riders from across Africa will also give Diego the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and learn from his teammates.

Away from racing, Diego enjoys going to the gym and taking part in different forms of training. His favourite circuit is Aragon, his dream motorcycle is a MotoGP bike, and he describes his riding style in one word: “Smooth.”

10–13 DECEMBER 2026
GOIÂNIA, BRAZIL

The countdown continues.