Champ ready for the next chapter
Motorcycle ace aims to focus on developing the sport
NAMIBIA-born motorcyclist Ronald Slamat is hanging up his leathers this year after clinching three consecutive Western Province Championships from 2013 to 2015 and will focus on the development of the sport.
Slamat moved to South Africa with his family in 2005, and began racing professionally in 2011 after being introduced to the sport by his dad, who is also an avid motorbike racer.
“My father was a racer and he introduced me to the sport because his is a motorcycle fanatic,” Slamat said.
Winning the three titles was the highlight of his career.
“It’s one of my biggest achievements in my career, mostly because we have this high calibre of motorcycle riders in our country. So for me it’s a huge achievement.”
After quitting the sport, Slamat will be working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I want to educate the kids about the sport and would like them to participate.”
He will be embarking on a sponsorship drive to fund a “big brother racing programme”, which he hopes will foster a love and following for the sport in disadvantaged communities.
A spiritual man from a spiritual family, Slamat said: “God wants me to give back to the community.”
But, motorcycle racing is no walk in the park, and he has to stick to a strict regime of diet and exercise.
He moved to Cape Town in 2005 when he received a sports bursary from Paarl Gymnasium where he played rugby.
But Slamat’s sports career was almost over when he suffered a knee injury in a rugby match.
“I just couldn’t cope with not being able to play sports and not be able to do anything” he said.
It was then that his father introduced him to motorcycle racing.
Slamat says that being a motorcyclist requires a lot of physical work. He has a special diet he follows to ensure he stays in tip-top shape.
“I go to the gym as well every single day. To be a motorcyclist requires you being your best – you need to be fit and strong.”
Slamat will be racing for Yamaha in his final race this year before he gives back to others. –