Yaghya Sahabodien, better known on the track as Yaghya21, is a Northcliff-based superbike racer accelerating through the ranks of South Africa’s premier motorcycle racing championships.

The paper caught up with Sahabodien on December 25 while he was volunteering with the Elf Patrol, an initiative recognising first responders working on Christmas Day. Even off the circuit, his commitment and discipline were clear.

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Although he had spent more than a decade riding motorcycles, Sahabodien only made his competitive racing debut in 2022. By 2023, he had completed his first full season in the MRSSA (Motorcycle Racing Series South Africa) Championship.

Starting last in a packed field of 26 riders, he clawed his way forward, finishing an impressive seventh overall by season’s end.

His upward trajectory continued in 2024 during his second racing season. Competing in the national SAES (South African Endurance Series) Championship and the Red Star Cup, Sahabodien notched up two second-place podium finishes in the beginner class and wrapped up the SAES Championship fourth overall.

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From Kyalami to Killarney, and from Aldo Scribante to Swartkops, Sahabodien has proven his race craft on South Africa’s biggest circuits.

Currently racing in the beginner class, Sahabodien is on track to move up to the premier class in 2026 after beating required lap-time benchmarks at multiple venues.

Looking ahead, he said 2026 will be about enjoying the journey, sharpening his skills, and continuing his steady climb in both the SAES and MRSSA championships.

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