For Katarzyna Ozores, motorcycling is more than a sport. It is a lifelong calling, a family tradition, and a way to give back to her adopted country of Morocco. From the moment she first climbed onto a 50cc motorcycle at the age of sixteen, the path was set. What began as youthful excitement quickly grew into a purpose: to help shape the sport she loved and to open new opportunities for others.
Since moving to Morocco in 1977, the country has become her “country of heart.” With deep dedication, she has worked alongside the Royal Moroccan Federation of Motorcycling to develop the sport at national and international levels. Her contributions span administration, logistics, and timekeeping, areas of work often unseen but absolutely vital to the smooth running of competition. Whether supporting national championships or lending her expertise to Mediterranean trophies across Africa and Europe, she has proven that leadership in motorcycling is not only found on the track.
Family has always been central to her journey. With her husband and children also sharing the love of two wheels, motorcycling became a way of life. Together, they built a motto: “we are all motorcyclists.” This unity carried her through decades of involvement, with highlights including her pivotal role in organizing the MXOAN in Marrakech in 2023 alongside her club, MX Marrakech. In addition, she proudly serves as head of the Women’s Commission, championing female participation in the sport and ensuring women riders have a strong voice.
Her dedication and spirit did not go unnoticed. Encouraged by the Federation’s leadership, she joined the FIM Future Leaders Programme, where she found not only inspiration but also the tools to strengthen her impact. For her, the program is not the end of a road but a springboard for greater action.
Katarzyna’s story is one of love, love for motorcycling, for Morocco, and for community. It is proof that a dream pursued with commitment can uplift an entire sport and, in turn, contribute to the growth of a country. She continues to ride forward with purpose, determined to keep giving back to the land and people that gave her a home.
All eyes will be firmly on Morocco this month as 18 South African motocross riders compete in the 2024 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) Continental Championship, from 25 to 27 October in Marrakesh.
The MXOAN is the only motorcycle Continental Championship in Africa, where riders from throughout Africa will push their limits in an exciting two-day competition. As the reigning champions with the most wins on the continent, South Africa will not only be participating but also defending their title.
Team Manager Hazel Cox said they are anticipating an action-packed weekend filled with exciting races and warm hospitality from the host Federation – and, for Team SA to return home victorious, having successfully defended their title.
Cox explains the team was chosen according to the official Motorsport South Africa National Championship standings. If a rider was selected and unable to participate, then the next rider in the points standings was selected based on the criteria set by the Motocross Commission.
“Due to the team residing in all parts of South Africa, coupled with school commitments for the juniors and work commitments from the seniors, we haven’t been able to host any training camps.
“Each rider is fully engaged in on-and off-track training throughout the year. The riders representing South Africa all raced as competitors at the last official MSA Motocross National on 12 October, which brings the 2024 Championship to a close.”
She lauds the strong Motocross Championship in South Africa for providing these riders with the chance to compete in seven National Championship races held in five provinces during the year.
“We expect solid racing from riders in each class in Morocco. Our junior classes are very strong, with our 50cc class having five riders competing.”
Team Captain Craig Kruger, a veteran rider, expects their strongest competition to come from teams with a history of strong growth within their countries and internationally.
“The Ugandan and Zimbabwean riders, for example, have been putting in a lot of work over the years; we can see the improvement. I also anticipate the unpredictable terrain and climate to be challenging for our riders.
“My experience allows me to share valuable lessons learnt from previous competitions. I hope to provide insight into race strategies, handling pressure and maintaining focus.
“For the younger riders, I want them to embrace the challenges and use the experience to grow without forgetting the fun factor of this sport we all love simply for the love of riding our dirt bikes!”
Cox agrees that travelling to a foreign country with none of the familiarities of home will require discipline and focus to succeed. She adds that each rider’s family and friends will play an integral part as a support base.
While motocross is not a “mainstream” school sport, Cox says, it is an extremely physical and mental sport.
“The riders representing SA are used to the focus and dedication required on a national level, so to achieve against international competition adds to their determination,” Cox adds.
“The junior riders will have to get to grips with the track layout pretty quickly. We are fortunate that the team is airfreighting their bikes, so at least their machines are familiar to them.”
Cox’s mantra for the weekend in Marrakesh will be “there is no ‘I’ in teamwork”, explaining that while motocross is an individual sport, teamwork is going to be very important.
“Every rider is going out there to perform their best but they will also be scoring toward the country scoresheet for that ultimate ‘best country’ top spot.”
Kruger’s primary strategy includes setting up clear, achievable goals for each member of the team.
“Communication will be key during the event, as well as celebrating our progress along the way and maintaining a positive atmosphere in which everyone feels valued and heard.”
Manager and captain thank South African motocross fans for their support.
“Representing South Africa at such a prestigious event is a tremendous honour. It’s a chance to showcase our talent and determination, especially as defending champions. We feel a deep responsibility to uphold the legacy of our country and inspire future generations of riders.
“The depth of MSA Motocross is strong and it is encouraging to see so many riders participating in this year’s MXOAN. The South African Team is travelling from the tip of Africa to North Africa and will meet competitors from various countries on our continent! It is going to be an incredible experience for all the team riders and pit crew,” they conclude.
The AFRICA RALLYE TEAM, an opportunity for Moroccan and more generally African competitors
Objectives:
To reveal and support Moroccan and more generally African competitors in the fulfillment of their dream, to participate at their best possible level in the most demanding Rally-Raids in the world, whether as an amateur or as a high-level athlete.To be a vector for the positive values of sport, such as the notion of effort, surpassing oneself, and the resulting gain in self-confidence, are socially structuring and a source of exemplarity for Morocco and more generally for the whole African continent.
Genesis: The desire of ODC Events and the main partners of the Rallye du Maroc, OCP Group, Afriquia and Maroc Telecom to generate a global dynamic around the event.The AFRICA RALLY TEAM must be a vector of positive values carried by sport such as the notion of effort, surpassing oneself, the gain of self-confidence which results from it, are socially structuring and a source of exemplarity for Morocco and more widely for all African nations.
The AFRICA RALLYE TEAM, the Rally-Raid school, offers the following advantages for a minimum of constraint:
100% free registration.2-days training / selection course by the ODC team, accommodation, catering and coaching costs borne by the organisation.Registration fee for the Rallye du Maroc for free.Personalized coaching on the Rally by a rally-raid top level competitor.Promotion of the selected participants to the Rallye du Maroc in the ART and Rallye du Maroc global communication: post, press release, dedicated videos and invitation to official press conferences / presentations.The only constraint for the selected competitors is to mention and promote their ART membership.
A 3-phase system:
Phase 1, application forms selection: From now, Moroccan candidates and any other African nationality can send their application (ART presentation and form at the end of the article) by email to competitors@rallyedumaroc.com, no later than 30 april 2024. You must have an SSV, car or motorbike that is insured and prepared for the Rally Raid and complies with safety regulations.
Phase 2, the training / selection course: The selected candidates on the basis of their application will benefit from an intensive 2-day training session in Morocco. This session, supervised by renowned teachers, will take place under race conditions with navigation using a rally-raid format roadbook. The candidates will also be evaluated during these 2 days and the Jury will select a maximum of 15 competitors (riders, drivers and co-drivers) who will have access to the next program phase.
Phase 3, participation in the Rally du Maroc coaching: The selected competitors will be supported by the Main Partners OCP Group, AFRIQUIA, MAROC TELECOM and ODC Events, on different levels: financial through the entry fee free of charge, training with a personalized coaching and promotion.
The Royal Moroccan Motorcycling Federation (FRMM) has the honor of organizing the 1st edition of the FRMM Morocco Sand Rally Raid of Merzouga from May 22 to 24, 2022, this will make it possible to raise awareness among Moroccan pilots to have training in the different navigation methods. : read a road book, GPS, hold a CAP and thus choose the best drivers to represent Morocco 🇲🇦 at the next international rallies.
La Fédération Royale Marocaine de Motocyclisme (FRMM) à l’honneur d’organiser la 1ère édition du Rallye Raid FRMM Morocco Sand de Merzouga du 22 au 24 Mai 2022 , cela permettra de sensibiliser les pilotes Marocains à avoir une formation aux différentes méthodes de navigation : lire un road book, GPS, tenir un CAP et ainsi choisir les meilleurs pilotes pour représenter le Maroc 🇲🇦 aux prochains Rallyes internationaux.
