Sixteen-year-old Dainfern resident Trent Valsecchi has won the 125cc class at the 2026 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) in Namibia.

Valsecchi represented team South Africa at the competition, where riders from across the continent competed for individual and national honours. The young rider stood on the top step of the podium on Namibian soil wearing the South African colours. The achievement follows his participation in the Junior World Championship in the Czech Republic and has earned him senior South African motocross colours, including the Protea green blazer.

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For Valsecchi, the journey into motocross started close to home. “I first got into motocross because of my dad,” he said. “He was a South African standup Jetski champion, so racing has always been part of my life. I started riding when I was young and just loved the feeling of being on the track. As I started racing and getting better results, I realised I wanted to take it seriously and see how far I could go.”

Representing his country in Namibia was a particularly meaningful moment for the teenager. “Racing for your country is a different kind of pressure, but it also makes you so proud,” Valsecchi said. “I was really happy with my win at the African Championship in the 125cc class.”

Behind the podium finish is a demanding routine involving training on the bike, gym sessions, fitness, nutrition, motorcycle preparation and frequent travel for races. “Locally and internationally, balancing school can be difficult, but I try to stay on top of my work,” he said. “I still want to enjoy being a teenager too, but motocross takes a lot of commitment if you want to compete at this level.” Valsecchi credits his family, coach, sponsors, GASGAS South Africa and the wider team for helping him reach the African title.

Receiving his South African colours and Protea blazer is another milestone he says holds special meaning. “It’s just like putting on my motocross gear. It is a huge honour, and it shows that all the hard work, training and sacrifices have been worth it,” he said. “I am really proud of all my achievements, but it is also very special for my family because they have supported me from the very beginning and have been part of every step of this journey.”

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Having grown up in Dainfern and Fourways, bringing the African title home has added another layer to the achievement. “Dainfern has watched me grow up and race over the years, so the support means a lot,” Valsecchi said. “It makes me proud to show younger kids that if you work hard and stay focused, you can achieve big things.”

The teenager is already looking ahead to his next challenge, with the final round of the South African National Championship scheduled for early October in East London. His goal is to win the round and secure the overall championship, before turning his attention to competing more extensively both locally and internationally. “Looking further ahead, I want to keep improving, race internationally and locally, and, hopefully, build a career in motocross and Supercross,” he said. “My dream is to compete against the best riders in the world.”

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