The FIM Africa Train the Trainer programme recently took place in Kitwe, Zambia, with three days focused on rider development, coaching education and practical training.
Facilitated by FIM Africa and the FIM Africa Women in Motorcycling Commission, the programme was hosted by Copperbelt Dirt Bike Riders from 28 to 30 April under the guidance of Andre Dearden.
Throughout the programme, participants explored a variety of important topics including nutrition, hydration, WADA education, braking techniques, body positioning, balance and training schedules. The sessions were designed to provide parents, trainers and rider supporters with practical knowledge to assist riders both on and off the motorcycle.
The learning continues this weekend as participants move into practical trackside sessions and hands on rider coaching, further building on the knowledge gained during the classroom component of the programme.
The 2026 Motocross season in Uganda is off to a flying start! This past Sunday, the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda hosted an action-packed season opener at Victoria Raceway Park, Garuga, setting a powerful pace for the year ahead.
It was a proud day for the sport, with an impressive 18 female riders competing across the Junior and Senior categories. The WMX category was a standout moment, showcasing the talent of 8 women at the start gates in the Lites and Open classes.
The federation is looking forward to the rest of the season and hopes to see the incredible number of participants continue to climb.
When I first stepped into the world of motorcycle sport, it was not titles or positions that defined my journey, but the people. The motocross community, passionate, relentless, and deeply rooted in volunteerism, is what made me fall in love with the sport. From that moment, I knew this was where I wanted to be: part of a community spirit where real progress is born out of collective effort and shared passion.
In 2014, I joined one of Kenya’s oldest motorsport clubs as a part-time administrator, stepping into a role that demanded far more than its title suggested. The leadership had recognised the need for a centralised office to bring structure and sustainability, and they entrusted me to help make that vision a reality. Working with the team, I developed systems, processes, and procedures designed to last by documenting best practices, designing workflows, and building frameworks that gave the club much-needed stability and continuity. As the club grew, so did my responsibilities. I led the secretariat, officiated at events, and worked in close collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Around the same time, I began working part-time with the newly formed Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK). Balancing both roles stretched my capacity, but it also laid the foundation for my eventual transition into full-time federation leadership. Over time, I was appointed as the first Secretary General of MSFK and had the honour of representing Kenya both locally and internationally. My vision has always been to build and develop inclusive structures that open doors for more communities and young competitors to find their place in the sport. This journey has been one of constant growth, shaped by training and mentorship, and strengthened by the unwavering support of a passionate Board and dedicated members who have inspired and guided me along the way.
The FIM Future Leaders Programme was truly transformative. Over eight months of learning and exchange with 20 emerging leaders from around the world, I saw the potential of our Kenyan motorcycling community within the broader global family. The programme deepened my belief in leading with purpose, nurturing a growth mindset, and fostering inclusion and belonging. It was more than just a leadership course; it was a mirror that helped me understand why I am drawn to spaces that need structure and why grassroots development and youth pathways lie at the heart of my passion.
I remain deeply grateful to the FIM, FIM Women, and FIM Academy for their openness and vision, which left a lasting impression on me. My gratitude also extends to the many men and women who have stood beside me, and to the mentors whose guidance continues to shape and inspire my journey.
For me, the true seeds of the sport lie in the grassroots, in the children, youth, and communities who will carry motorcycling forward. My mission is to create pathways that provide structure, opportunity, and support to help them thrive. My dream is for a sport where every rider, competitor, and community has access, belonging, and the chance to grow. A place where passion is matched with structure, and where the commitment of competitors, parents, trainers, officials, mechanics, doctors, leaders, and supporters all come together to build something lasting.
I want motorcycling, in all its disciplines and beyond, to become more than just a sport, to grow into a movement that inspires discipline, confidence, resilience, and unity. A movement that gives our young people the courage to dream bigger than we ever did.
Round 4 of the South African Cross Country Championship revved into action this past weekend in the breathtaking lowlands of Lesotho, and our incredible lady riders stole the spotlight!
Maphoka Matekane charged through the SNR 85cc class to claim an impressive 8th place, proudly collecting a trophy on behalf of her brother who finished 2nd but couldn’t attend the ceremony.
Zaria Fourie showed true grit and skill in the Provincial OR3 class, tackling the challenging terrain like a pro.
A massive shoutout to both of these powerhouse riders for flying the flag high and proving that determination knows no limits!
This is Maphoka Matekane rider 444 who ended up 8th in the Snr 85cc class.
For Lalà Rasanjison, motorcycling is not just a sport. It is freedom, community, and a way to create change in Madagascar. She first got on the grid in 2005, taking part in her first motocross event. What began as a thrill quickly grew into a lifelong passion for offroad, enduro, and adventure riding. Almost twenty years later she is still out there, helmet on, making her mark on the track and in the way the sport is understood.
Motorcycling gave her more than speed. It gave her a mission. In 2025 she graduated from the FIM Future Leaders Programme, an experience that gave her the tools to push harder for women in motorcycling and for sustainability in the sport. She has long believed that motorcycles can be both adventurous and responsible, showing that competition and care for the environment do not have to be opposites.
In Madagascar’s offroad scene, Lalà has become a strong voice for change. She has promoted sustainable practices in motocross and enduro events, while also using adventure tourism to connect motorbiking with culture and landscapes. Since 2005 she has run Au Bivouac Guesthouse in Antsirabe, where she designs tours that mix motorcycling with hiking and local discovery.
Her path has also taken her into public service. Between 2022 and 2024 she was Regional Director of Tourism and Crafts, using her role to bring sport and tourism closer together. Before that she led the Environmental Department in Vakinankaratra, driving reforestation and conservation work. And through community projects like “Sauver Andraikiba,” which aims to protect Lake Andraikiba, she has shown how the values of riding discipline, responsibility, and passion can spill over into everyday life
Academically, she has a background in economics, management, and social sciences, and she speaks four languages. But ask her what has shaped her most and she will point back to the motorcycle. The discipline, the camaraderie, the sheer thrill of it that is where her leadership was forged.
For Lalà, the bike is more than a machine. It is a symbol of opportunity. She wants young people, especially women, to see that they have a place in motorcycling, not just as riders but as leaders. Her journey shows that every ride can open doors, spark change, and build stronger communities.
