Between Kabelo Ledwaba Jnr and his father, the student is gradually becoming the master as the 12-year-old is breaking barriers at the highest levels of motocross.Â
Ledwaba Jnr began riding bikes at the tender age of eight in 2019. He says he draws a lot of inspiration from his father, who is a former motocross racer with five national titles.Â
“It has been a good journey, my dad [Kabelo Ledwaba snr] inspired me to enter the sport,” Ledwaba said.Â
“After that, we looked at my future and said that if I could achieve the things that I planned, then maybe I could get to the top level. Â
“During lockdown, we created our own [racing] track to practice, so that I can become better, and it was really helpful.”Â
Recently, Ledwaba Jnr competed in the SA National Championship in Cape Town, where he finished fourth in round three and four – which increased his chances of qualification for the World Championship, where he will see his long-time wish of representing South Africa internationally being realised.Â
Prior to the nationals in the Mother City, the 12-year-old was in Austria, where he took part in the European Championships and was the youngest rider in his group. Â
“I am motivated for this year. I think I can win everything if I just focus and continue doing well.Â
“I always tell myself that whatever I believe in, I can achieve. I have already ticked the box of going to Europe, now I need to tick off the box of winning the world championships.” Â
The FIM junior World Championship will be in Romania on July 7, with young Ledwaba awaiting confirmation from Motorsport SA to pick their final team to represent the country. Â
In a week’s time, Ledwaba will travel to eight countries in Europe for four months to compete in the European Championships, before returning home for the SA Motocross Championships.
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