Rapha's racing and training apparel for Team AMANI this season draws inspiration from the squad's deep connection to East African wildlife and Nairobi's vibrant Matatu culture. Each jersey in the collection features a handmade pattern inspired by five iconic animals native to AMANI's homelands, including the cheetah, zebra, and wild dog.
The Collection The Team AMANI collection, including the Pro Team Aero Jersey, Pro Team Training Cargo Bib Shorts, and Technical Sun Hat, will be released in June.
AMANI team managers, Hanifa and Mikel, emphasised the bold and visible nature of the designs: “We wanted animal prints that stand out. Normally, animals use their skin to camouflage, but we made sure these prints are as visible as possible. Inspired by Nairobi's Matatus, the brightly customised taxi vans, we used stencils and spray paint to create these unique designs.”
AMANI's Ambition Since its inception in 2021, Team AMANI has aspired to reach the pinnacle of cycling, aiming to make East Africa renowned not only for endurance runners but also for cycling champions. The team currently excels in the growing frontier of gravel racing, showcasing the determination and talent of young athletes ready to reshape the sport's landscape.
Based in Iten, Kenya, and co-founded by the late Sule Kangangi, Team AMANI and the Black Mamba Development Squad are dedicated to nurturing top cyclists from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For cycling to become truly global, it must embrace new territories where youth and adventure are flourishing—such as Africa.
Future Goals Team AMANI's goals are ambitious and far-reaching. They aim to send the best athletes from the region to compete and win at the highest levels. Additionally, they host high-profile bike races like the Migration Gravel Race and the Safari Gravel Race, Kenya’s first UCI event. They are also building a world-class training facility and development program in Iten, the heart of endurance running, to develop the next generation of cycling champions through the U-23 Black Mamba Squad.
Through their dedication and vision, Team AMANI is not only transforming the face of cycling in East Africa but also paving the way for a truly international presence in the sport.