The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
EMmANUEL BAKO has the number 10 inscribed on both his bike and motocross gear.
The Amai Mugabe Junior School pupil is 10 years old, and this number surely is something special for the young rider.
The motocross starlet’s father, Brighton Bako, says the number 10 has always had a special place in Emannuel’s heart.
“He chose the number when he started motocross racing at the age four and believes it’s his lucky number,” said Brighton.
Emmanuel has over 40 medals from local and international races and luck has nothing to do with it.
“At his age he has already mastered the art of playing and working hard,” Britghton said. “My son dreams of one day being a successful pilot and I am glad that he understands that for him to achieve his dream he has to work hard at school.
“He is a weekly boarder and during the week all his focus is on the academic side but from Friday to Sunday he spends three hours each day on the track, training hard.”
Emmanuel continues to write his own fairytale and his family has vowed to stick with him as he aims for the stars.
A fortnight ago Emmanuel and riding partner Daiyaan Manuel steered Team Zimbabwe to second place at the African Motocross Championships in Botswana.
“This boy is headed for greatness and as a family we owe him all the support we can render,” said his father. “He is mature beyond his age. There are some who still believe that motocross is a preserve for white people but he does not see it that way.
“Instead he believes the sport is for everyone regardless of race and he values the competition as well as the support he gets from his peers.”
