South Africa’s KJ Mononyane is just getting started, turning heads in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup as the only South African racing this season.
South Africa (23 June 2025) – Kgopotso “KJ” Mononyane isn’t just racing, he’s representing. As the only South African in the 2025 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, the 17-year-old Joburg native is quietly carving his name into the global racing scene, one fearless corner at a time.
Now midway through his second full season in the fiercely competitive feeder series to MotoGP, Mononyane is showing serious signs of breakthrough pace, even if the results haven’t quite caught up just yet. From high-speed chases to jaw-dropping overtakes the young talent is inching closer to the front of the pack.
“The Rookies Cup is one of the toughest bike racing series anywhere in the world,” said Mononyane after the recent round at Italy’s legendary Mugello circuit. “You’ve got the best up-and-coming riders, all on the same machinery, proving they’ve got what it takes.”
Mugello, with its sweeping curves and brutal straights, is a true test of skill, and Mononyane rose to the occasion. After fine-tuning his setup with the Red Bull engineers and opting for longer gearing, he slashed a 13-second gap to the leaders in race one, clocking the second-fastest lap of the day and finishing 20th.
But Sunday’s race two showed even more promise.
“I dropped to the back at the start, but I felt confident. I pushed hard, overtook a bunch of riders, and caught up to the lead group. It was wild, we were all fighting, nose to tail, down that long Mugello straight,” said Mononyane.
He crossed the line in 18th, but only 2.7 seconds behind the winner, and just fractions of a second behind the top five.
“On paper, 18th doesn’t sound impressive, but I was right there, mixing it up with the best. I know I belong at the front,” he said.
With just three rounds left, at Sachsenring, Red Bull Ring, and Misano, KJ is more determined than ever to chase down those top spots. His progress is palpable, his confidence is building, and he’s flying the South African flag with pride in every gear shift.
Related Stories
International Squash Comes to Joburg as SA’s Best Take Centre Stage
Tatjana Smith Comes Out of Retirement With LA28 in Her Sights“I’m learning so much each weekend, and now it’s about converting that into results. I’m ready to fight,” he said.
This may be a rookie series, but KJ Mononyane is no ordinary rookie. South Africa, watch this space: the next racing star is already in motion!
by 
