Seabata Mahao
A record-breaking ten local riders are set to compete in various categories in this year’s Roof of Africa (ROA), the renowned off-road race known as the “Mother of Hard Enduro.”
Since its inception in 1967, the grueling event has largely been dominated by international talent, with South African rider Wade Young having claimed the overall title an impressive eight times.
The 55th edition of the Roof of Africa, which is recognised as the world’s oldest hard enduro race, is scheduled to take place from November 28 to 30.
This year’s competition is anticipated to draw hundreds of riders from across the globe, including over 500 participants from France, Australia, Portugal, Romania, Germany, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Iceland, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa.
Lesotho’s local riders—Basia Maseatile, Shabeer Moosa, and Ulrich Popp—will represent the nation in the Silver category. Meanwhile, Joseph Motenane, David Salley, Timello Tšolo, Peter Andrews, and Katleho Tlhaole are set to compete in Bronze, and Eric Salley and Lesekele Hlaoli will enter the Iron category.
Speaking at the event’s launch, Lesotho Off Road Association’s (LORA) Chairperson Mopeli Ntabe expressed optimism regarding this year’s participation. He confirmed that preparations are on track for an expected total of 520 riders, marking an increase of 93 from the previous year.
“We currently have 520 riders confirmed, both local and international, with 430 having already paid their registration fees. We expect the number of registered participants to rise as registration closes a week before the race,” Ntabe stated.
The Roof of Africa will kick off with its signature Round the Houses segment in Maseru on November 28, featuring freestyle exhibitions and time trials at the Maseru Club. From there, the race will move to Oxen Hill in Matsieng on November 29 and 30.
Specific routes will be revealed two weeks before the event, with riders competing in the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron categories.
It is still uncertain if defending champion Wade Young will participate this year, as he has yet to register. Young’s record of victories spans across several years, including 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and both 2022 and 2023.
Since its founding, the Roof of Africa race has grown to become an iconic annual event in Lesotho, only pausing in 1998 due to political unrest and in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation’s (LTDC) Acting Public Relations Manager Molapo Matela, speaking on behalf of LTDC’s CEO, highlighted the significant economic impact of the event for Lesotho.
“Locals refer to the Roof of Africa as a ‘rainmaker’ because of the economic benefits it brings. During the event, accommodation establishments around Maseru are fully booked, creating short-term jobs in tourism and hospitality, and there is high demand in sectors like transportation, restaurants, and souvenir sales,” Matela noted, emphasising the synergy between sports and tourism in Lesotho.
