Two of Rover Motorcycle Club’s members have been selected to represent South Africa in the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Continental Championship that is set to take place in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh from the 25^th – 27^th October. Craig Kruger and Morne Janse van Rensburg will both compete in the VMX (MX3-Vets) category for riders over the age of 35, with Kruger being given the added accolade of being the Team Captain as South Africa head to Morocco to defend their title of African Champions, after clinching the title at last year’s championship event held in Cape Town.

For 47 year old Kruger, who has been crowned African Champion twice already, it is special reward for hard work and tenacity after suffering a heart attack and having to work his way back to full fitness to be able to compete at the highest level once again. Having started competing at the age of 5 he has achieved multiple regional as well as national championship titles and his aim is now to become the first rider ever, to win an African Championship 3 times in the same class.  Kruger is backed by the following sponsors KTM PE, Bikewise (incorporating Motul, Pirelli, Renthal & Acerbis), Midas, Rencor, Mo’s Diesel, Piri Solar, Duraflex, Pro-Cut Gaskets, African Brake Parts, Odyssey Software, Eco Tanks, Universal Power Corporation & Extreme Clean SA that all enable him to keep competing at the highest level.

 

Having turned 35 this year, it will be Janse van Rensburg’s first African Championship in the VMX class after having made his debut at the then African Motorcycle Union (AMU) Championship at the age of 13 representing South Africa in events in Kenya and Namibia in 2002 & 2003 respectively. Having competed at the highest level on four wheels as well, his achievements from 2008-2013 in the National Rally Championship saw him finish second in the very competitive A5 class and then turn to karting where he competed in the National series from 2018-2021.  He also competed successfully in the Half Ironman 70.3 series from 204-2018 earning a place to compete in the World Championship at Mooloolaba Beach in Queensland, Australia.

In 2022 he once again turned his attention to motocross and unfortunately suffered some serious injuries along the way, but it certainly has not held him back as he finds himself in third place in this year’s Vets Championship going into round this weekend at the Zone 7 circuit in Cape Town and he had the following to say. “As a lifelong motocross enthusiast I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the sport racing in local events while progressing through the ranks fueled by determination and passion and a will to always improve. I would not have been able to compete without the assistance of my loyal sponsors whom I appreciate dearly and would like to thank Piri Solar Wholesaler & Distributor, Mo’s Diesel (PTY) Ltd, GC Diesel Pumps (PTY) Ltd, Hambanathi Automotive (PTY) Ltd, All About Racing, Coimbra Cycle Centre, KTM Port Elizabeth, RynoPower South Africa, Wetherd Garage, Auto Motorcycles and Lions Bay Crossfit all for their ongoing support.”