Nine-year-old Josephat Russell is already making waves in the world of go-karting. He recently took third place overall at the Rand Kart Club Championship in South Africa, competing against older kids in the Micro Max category and not his usual Bambino race. 

Josephat only started racing at the tender age of five and has already made the sport his own, winning the Namibian Bambino Championship last year.

Go-karting has been in Namibia for many years; however, the sport is still in the developing stage, as not all areas of the country have the facilities to host a sport of this magnitude.

This week, Confidente caught up with little Josephat as he shared about his race in South Africa, his idol, and his next race.

Like any upcoming athlete, there is always a top athlete one looks up to, and it is no exception for Russell, who, at a young age, is already inspired by one of, if not the best, Formula One drivers of all time, Lewis Hamilton of Britain.

He is a grade three learner at Delta Primary School in Windhoek.

“I have won several accolades, most won last year, but the biggest one is the Namibian Bambino Championship. I was looking at least second place, but I made a mistake in heat three, which caused me to pick up a lot of rubber. First of all, I started playing football, but now I am more focused on go-karting, which is why I excel when inside the car driving. I am a big fan of Lewis (Hamilton) because motorsport has always been my thing. I train twice a week and once on the weekend, normally at Tony Rust Race Track,” said Russell.

Josephat’s performance at Zwartkops marks the beginning of an exciting 2025 campaign, during which he will compete in the South African Rotax MAX Challenge and Northern Regions Kart Championships.

His parents pay for his trips and participation in events, something that is becoming a big burden on them.

Josephat has therefore urged the corporate world to consider assisting him financially to fulfill his dream of becoming the leading go-karting driver.

With a promising start to the season, Josephat has already established himself as a driver to watch in the highly competitive Micro MAX category. His next challenge will see him continue his South African karting journey, where he aims to assert his presence at the front of the field.

“My next race is in Formula K, in Benoni, South Africa, on March 1. At the moment, my parents are sponsoring me, but it is becoming a big burden on them because of the high financial demand the sport comes with. I am therefore hoping to have a sponsor from private companies or any good Samaritan willing to sponsor me, especially with the trip to Benoni. I am managing well with my schoolwork, especially thanks to my teachers, Mrs. August and my previous grade two teacher, Mrs. Steenkamp, as they are very supportive with extra hours, and my mother as well, especially during weekends,” said Josephat.