A total of 14 motocross (MX) riders in eight different classes will represent Namibia at the 2025 International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) in Zimbabwe later this month.
The event will take place at the Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare.
Often referred to as the ‘Olympics of MX’, the competition attracts elite riders from across the continent – including host nation Zimbabwe, as well as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Morocco and Kenya.
According to the MXoAN 2025 committee, Namibia’s participation is about more than just a race – it marks a comeback and a statement of intent to reclaim the country’s place on the international motocross stage.
Unlike typical motocross competitions, the MXoAN follows a team format in which each rider’s performance contributes to the overall team standing.
“More than a trophy is at stake – national championship honours, continental ranking, youth development visibility, international media and sponsor engagement, and invaluable experience are all on the line,” the committee says in a statement.
Top Revs spoke to team manager Ingo Waldschmidt earlier this month about the strength of the competition. He confirmed that the participating countries are sending their top riders.
“Definitely South Africa – they’ve been winning for years. They obviously have the strongest team, but don’t forget hosts Zimbabwe,” he said.
Waldschmidt said Zambia is another strong contender and should not be underestimated.
He expressed confidence in Namibia’s younger riders, who have shown significant growth and improvement on the local circuit.
The team includes competitors aged between five and 17.
“It’s a great experience, and I believe we have a good chance with our younger riders,” he said.
Waldschmidt said the team is comfortable with the Zimbabwean tracks and facilities, which resemble conditions at home, such as those at Gallina Motocross Park in Windhoek.
Donnybrook is regarded as one of the most respected MX circuits in Africa, with natural elevations, fast straights and tight corners, all contributing to a strong spectator experience.
The riders were selected based on several criteria, including fitness, training consistency, national ranking and commitment to the sport.
The team, captained by Sigi Pack, is as follows:
MX50 Class (ages five to nine): Mason Meyer (seven)
MX65 Class (ages seven to 12): Oliver Mathews (11), Markus Pack (nine)
MX Lites – 85cc Class (ages 10 to 14): Leander Metzger (13), Vincent Griebel (13)
125cc Class (ages 13 to 17): Juan de Vos (16), Jarno Metzger (16), JC Lochner (15)
MX1 Class (ages 17 and over): Mark Sternagel (29), Bjorn Bierbrauer (33)
VMX Class (ages 35 to 49): Sigi Pack (41), Olaf Pack (39)
WMX Class (Women’s Motocross): Zoé-Lee Waldschmidt (19)
Masters Class (Aged 50 and up): Gerhard Simon
The team, travelling by road, is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe today.
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