Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane Earns Points in the First Round of the 2025 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup

As South Africa continues to emerge as a nurturing ground for motorcycle talent, the spotlight is now on Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane.

The 17-year-old racer from Pretoria has entered his second season of the prestigious Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, and he is keen to build on his previous experiences and prove himself on the international stage.

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is renowned for being a launching pad for future stars of the MotoGP circuit, with a history of impressive alumni, including South African icons like the Binder brothers, Brad and Darryn, and Ruche Moodley, who is currently making waves in the Moto3 series. Mononyane represents South Africa as its sole participant in this fiercely competitive arena.

“Representing my country on the world stage has been both an honour and a profound responsibility,”Mokonyane explained.

“Competing internationally allows me to showcase the talent and determination that South African riders bring to the sport, and I am deeply proud to carry our flag in these prestigious arenas.”

The opening round of the 2025 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup took place at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Spain, coinciding with the MotoGP events over a seven-round series across various celebrated European circuits.

“I was really excited to start this second season in Rookies Cup. 2024 was a learning year, and I managed to achieve a top six finish. With more experience of racing and competing at this level, I am keen to improve and impress, ”Mononyane said ahead of the race weekend.

The first race in Jerez proved to be an action-packed affair as newcomers jostled for position. Mononyane, riding his number 45 machine, found himself embroiled in a race-long tussle within a six-rider pack. His determination paid off as he crossed the line in 14th place, earning two crucial points for his efforts.

Race two mirrored the excitement, with Mononyane showing significant improvement by securing 12th place, adding to his tally of points and showcasing his potential: “I’m happy how this weekend turned out, finishing both races in the points and finishing only nine seconds behind the race winner is a big improvement from last year. I know that I’m going in the right direction and I know what I need to do to arrive at the front of the field.”

With six points already in the bag, Mononyane now aims to build on this early season momentum, eyeing better results as the competition progresses. His commitment to racing not only reflects personal ambition but also serves as inspiration for fellow South African riders keen to make their mark on the world of motorsport.