Bayanda Ganyaza - Velokhaya BMX Team

Bayanda is one of two Velokhaya riders chosen to join Team Jeep in 2010. Bayanda - who only started riding BMXs in December 2008 - will be based in Cape Town, at the Velokhaya BMX Oval, and will join Team Jeep at events in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) and Gauteng, including rounds of the South African BMX Championships. The first round of the nationals will be held in Durban, at Giba Gorge, from 2 - 4 April and the Johannesburg legs will be at Alrode from 9-11 July, 2010.

I was born on 13 August 1998 in Welkom in the Free State.

I currently live in Khayelitsha with my mom, my three sisters and my younger brother.

I am a learner at Injongo Primary School in Khayelitsha.

I am in Grade 6 and my favourite subject is Maths.

I started BMXing in December 2008.

I won the under 12 category at the Reconciliation Cup and am proud of this achievement.

I train every day from 16H00 to 18H00.

BMX has taught me to be reliable and responsible and it has kept me away from the "streets".

My dream is to be a team manager one day and be a role model to younger kids.

I admire Sifiso Nhlapo for his strength and dedication to the sport.

I have a very supportive family structure and every body at home is very proud of me.

I am very excited to be part of Team Jeep and the fact that I will be travelling with the team. I haven't travelled much, only to Welkom to see our family.

My favourite food is Pap and Maas. Nothing beats it - I call it African Salad!

I admire my grandmother so much because she is a strong woman and she always believes in me and she motivates me a lot.

My goal for 2010 is to work very hard and to one day soon, stand on the podium in the World Championships.

Profile date: December 2009