This year’s Roof of Africa will proceed without one of its greatest champions, South Africa’s Wade Young.
The nine-time Roof of Africa winner, whose victories stretch from 2012, 2014 and the dominant streaks of 2017–2019 and 2021–2024, announced on his social media page that he is currently undergoing medical treatment after sustaining severe self-inflicted burn injuries.
His condition has ruled him out of defending his title.
The 2025 edition of the Roof of Africa is currently underway, marking a historic milestone for Lesotho as the event serves as the decisive final round of the World Hard Enduro Championship (HEWC).
With the world’s top riders battling for the world title on Basotho soil, Lesotho once again stands at the centre of global off-road motorcycling.
This year’s race has attracted an impressive field of approximately 400 riders, one of the largest entries in the event’s long history. Thirteen Basotho riders are competing across various classes, reflecting the country’s growing reputation in hard enduro.
Among the most experienced local riders are Timello Tšolo, Sechaba Chabeli, Besele Malakane and Shabeer Moosa, all eager to make their mark on home terrain.
In the Silver Class, Basotho hopes rest on Basia Maseatile, Sechaba Chabeli and Moiphepi Bereng. The Bronze Class features Timello Tšolo, Malakane Besele, Katleho Tlhaole and Joseph Motenane. In the Iron Class, Peter Andrews, Jabulani Mhlanga, Thabo Monaheng, Eric Salley, David Salley and Hlaoli Lesekele will tackle the demanding course.
Since its launch in 1967, the Roof of Africa, affectionately known as “The Mother of Hard Enduro,” has become one of Lesotho’s defining annual sporting events.
It has been cancelled only twice: in 1998 due to political instability and in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s action began with time trials on Thursday, with riders pushing through the rugged terrain from Mokema in Koro-Koro to Ha-Lebamang in Roma.
Two days earlier, on 19 November, spectators lined the streets of Maseru for a revitalised parade ride through the city, led by the Prime Minister on his off-road motorbike, an unprecedented expression of national support for the event.
The main races will start and finish at Ha-Lebamang today and Saturday, where thousands of spectators are expected to gather along the mountain passes to witness the showdown.
The HEWC designation has drawn some of the sport’s biggest names back to Lesotho. Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler, returning after missing the last two editions, expressed his excitement ahead of the race.
Speaking on Wednesday this week, he said: “I am stoked to come back. I think it is going to be a good race. I hope this year the race is not as tough as last year’s because I heard some crazy stories, but the organisers are doing their best to make it even better.”
Lettenbichler will face stiff competition from South Africa’s James Moore and Dylan Jones.
“It has been a huge up-and-down year with a tight schedule abroad. Roof of Africa is a home race, so it’s really cool to be here with the fans and organisers. It looks like it’s going to be a better year,” Moore said.
Spain’s Sandra Gomes, returning after eight years, is aiming for a top-five finish. “The race is going to be long and rocky, but I’ll give my best,” she said.
Summary
- The 2025 edition of the Roof of Africa is currently underway, marking a historic milestone for Lesotho as the event serves as the decisive final round of the World Hard Enduro Championship (HEWC).
- Two days earlier, on 19 November, spectators lined the streets of Maseru for a revitalised parade ride through the city, led by the Prime Minister on his off-road motorbike, an unprecedented expression of national support for the event.
- I hope this year the race is not as tough as last year’s because I heard some crazy stories, but the organisers are doing their best to make it even better.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
