Former national champions Ronald Ssebuguzi and Jas Mangat are revving up for a thrilling showdown at the upcoming Pearl of Africa Rally. The high-stakes event, scheduled for May 10-12 across Lugazi and Jinja, is a key fixture in both the National (NRC) and Africa (WRC) rally championships, drawing the continent’s top rally drivers.
With 32 competitors confirmed, the rivalry between Ssebuguzi and Mangat is poised to capture the spotlight, as they battle for supremacy in the NRC standings. Mangat, piloting a Hyundai i20 R5, is riding high on a wave of recent successes, having clinched victories at the Mbarara and Masaka NRC series. The seasoned driver also boasts two Pearl of Africa Rally titles from 2013 and 2022.
On the other hand, Ssebuguzi is hungry for his first win of the season, looking to rebound from recent disappointments. With his Ford Fiesta Proto now in top form, Ssebuguzi, navigated by Anthony Mugambwa, is optimistic about their chances. “We have prepared well and the car is in very good condition this time; we are ready to aim for a podium finish,” Ssebuguzi declared.
After switching from the Mitsubishi Evo X to the Ford Fiesta last year, Ssebuguzi is eager to break his dry spell with this new setup, especially after a mechanical setback forced him out of the recent SMC Rally in Masaka. With the Pearl of Africa Rally still missing from his trophy cabinet, Ssebuguzi has all the motivation he needs to chase that elusive first victory in this esteemed event.
The Pearl of Africa Rally, enriched with history and prestige, has seen legends like Charles Muhangi, Karim Hirji, Chipper Adams, Charlie Lubega, and Riyaz Kurji etch their names as champions, making it a must-win for any serious contender in the African rally scene.