eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
Young female riders are increasingly taking over the typically male-dominated motocross sport in Zimbabwe.
For too long, motocross has been dominated and reserved for men, the natural justification being that women aren’t really into “dangerous” sports.
It used to be the ultimate insult to tell an athlete that they “play or ride like a girl”.
Yet, time and again we see female athletes who rise above these stereotypes, pushing the envelope of what we used to think was possible in the world of sports.
The trend was set by multi-award winner Tanya Muzinda who has been the only lady competitor in the country for years in which she has been the best young rider in the country competing against boys.
Muzinda’s international, local competitions and awards has earned the sport huge publicity with many other young girls coming on board.
As an icon for young women and racers everywhere, her influence to other kids have raised self-belief.
One of the hottest emerging young riders is eight-year-old Mufaro Kabasa.
Mufaro, who only began racing a year ago has earned respect at Donnybrook as she competes against more superior male counterparts.
Since she got behind the wheel, Mufaro says she rarely faces girls on the opposing team and competitors, which is in a mixed-gender division.
Despite achieving a few podium finish at the Flat Track racing, Mufaro is eyeing more awards, “Most girls don’t think they are tough enough to ride and smash the boys.”
A Grade Four student at Groombridge Primary in Harare said the sport is “cool” for girls despite the dominance of boys.
“I love my bike and I am happy when riding. It’s a cool sport. At first it was my bicycle before mastering my 50CC bike.
“As a sporty girl, arriving at Donnybrook track was like all my Christmases coming at once,” she recalled.
“I loved trying every race going and, of course, ultimately I want to grow to be a big rider.
“I expect to win titles just like Tanya. I want to train and perform at a top level and keep my bike at the top level.”
Working towards more titles while juggling her personal life and school, Mufaro shows young athletes all over the country how to keep fighting for their dreams.
Her father and sponsor Kudakwashe Kabasa declared his commitment to her daughters’ dream.
Kudakwashe said he is empowering her daughter and planning for a bright future.
“For so many years it has been a male-dominated sport, but it’s about changing perspectives and it’s an honour to be a part of it.”
“It’s unlike our time. Girls in early teenage years were not allowed into a boys’ team or do such sport because they were considered dangerous. Women are made to face the barrels of buyout sexism on a daily basis, be it at work or even at home.
“Her (Mufaro’s) commitment is my motivation considering that this is a very expensive sport. Her passion is second to none,” Kudakwashe said.
“Moreover, I am grateful for Tanya and her family who have been helpful to my daughter and showing us the way. Mufaro is a different girl on the track now and I know I am empowering her for the future.
“There’s opportunities for the younger girls now coming through to continue participating in sports from any age, and that’s amazing for women’s sport in general,” said Kudakwashe.
Because men have historically dominated the military, it follows that war-games would be similarly male-dominated.
Most popular sports were developed by men, for men, as a way to both test and hone their manliness.
And while participation has since been opened up to include women, the fundamentally gendered conception of sports persists.
Another young rider, Tadiwanashe Nyamupfukudza is becoming a household name and has become a regular face at Donnybrook track.
Tanya who is internationally managed by recognised female motocross legend Stefy Bau expressed her excitement on social media:
“I am glad two little girls have joined Mufaro Kabasa and Tadiwanashe Nyamupfukudza and I hope for the best. My dream is to have an all-Girls Racing Team T61 Racing. I am glad to say l now have two little girls under my wings.
“It’s always a good feeling when you instil positive vibrations to other little girls not just across the world but within your reach.
“I wish these girls happy riding in Motocross and I am greatful to the support they get from their parents who toil day-in, day-out to bring them to the Motocross track.
Muzinda, who continues to inspire young athletes every day and working hard to achieve her dreams, has dedicated her spare time and energy into her passion for racing.
She added, “I wish for more girls to come join #TeamTanya and one day we have an all-girls racing team from Zimbabwe.”
In the overall world of sports, females are often dismissed by their male counterparts. It could be any discipline, really.
From individual sports like to team sports like basketball, many men consider themselves to be athletically superior to women.
And while men could hold physical advantages over women in sports, women are now endorsing and demanding their social rights in both their virtual and physical realities.
