29 Jun 2014

The Toyota 1 000km desert race famously known as Mantshwabisi, among the race fanatics, has been viewed as an inspiration by some fans.

One of the fans in Mokhomma, Kelly Pebea expressed joy that the race had been taken to her area. The 28-year old fan applauded the decision to take the race to Jwaneng and surrounding areas, saying  they felt good  being part of the race regardless of being in rural places.

“Having the race here sends out a message to rural children that they can dream of driving these cars,” she said. Pebea, who is also a Ford Ranger fan, wished that more women could take part in the sport. She encouraged other youth within her village to fully utilise hosting such a sporting activity.

As the Toyota 1000km desert race was over the years described as a family outing,  Orometswe Nthomang took his family to the race. He told BOPA that it was a an affordable undertaking which is filled with fun. 

Nthomang was also happy that the race  passed through his village, explaining that it motivates the youth to take part in sports and earn a living through it. 

He encouraged and pledged his support to the village youth who will get inspired to take part in the sport.

Thabo Obeng, a seven year old boy who is also a Toyota fan was over the moon to see the cars in his home village. 

He explained that it has always been his dream to see the cars but could not as the race has been held far from his home village.

He explained that he was inspired to work hard at school so that he can be able to drive the cars in future.

Tshegofatso Mosimanewakgang, 48 hoped the race will bring developments to her village as spectators across Southern Africa came in large numbers to be part of the race. 

She also hoped that if her village continued to host the race, they would benefit economically.

She encouraged the unemployed youth within the village to come up with businesses that will see them benefiting from the race, which will in turn reduce dependence on government for creation of jobs. ENDS