29 Aug 2018

All eyes will be on quad biker rider Zayd Noble to see if he can topple his brother Ahmed to finish first in this year’s Mmabesi 200 National off-Road Challenge slated for September 1.

The 60km race, organised by Serowe Extreme Bikers Club in partnership with Botswana Motor Sport, will kick off from Paje to Serowe and back to Paje.

The competition attracts both two wheelers and quads.

This year’s event is sponsored by Fankie Kokoro of Kokoro’s Feedlot which will be the challenge’s base.

The two brothers are members of  Gaborone based Noble Supplies Race Team.

“I have always come close to Ahmed, but this year I want the first spot. I am going to give him a run for his money,” said Zayd.

He said last year he finished second after his brother, a standing he anticipates to change this year.

For his part, Ahmed said he was in cognizance of his brother and other riders intention of defying him in this year’s Mmabesi 200 meet.

“Last year I won all the races that I competed in and that alone branded me as a threat and a target, and I am certain that other riders are honing their styles to displace me.”

He said this year’s race was going to be exciting given that it’s the biggest other than the Desert Race as it attracts 30 quad bikes.

Ahmed said only three races were left for the season and said everyone wants to get good rankings and explained that it would be a do or die for all the riders on September 1 to finish in good standing.

The Noble brother said his club was made up of fast riders and that apart from that he was expecting tough competition from Jwaneng and Orapa riders such as the likes of Mike Kenosi amongst others.

“But I know that Zayd will be my biggest contender especially that we have same riding styles and run at the same pace. He has been dying to beat me, but I am ready for all.”

He said the track was also exciting as they would be riding on rocky, muddy and sandy roads and said the terrain could also spoil one’s plan.

“Despite being prepared riders know that the weather can affect you especially the heat, and with the current weather, anything can happen on Saturday.”

The rider said although he started first with most people putting their bet on him to win the race, he finished below par after encountering tyre problems due to the heat.

Ahmed said South African riders were a force to reckon with as they competed more often something that gave them an edge over local riders.

The race’s marketing officer, Tshegofatso Sentsho said the race would kick off at 8:15am and was expected to finish at 3:45pm while the prize giving ceremony was scheduled for Kokoro’s Feedlot in the evening.  

Sentsho said key spectator points would be the starting point, Metsimasweu River, old transport, open space opposite Paje BDF camp gate and Paje River.

He said their dream was to see the event grow in leaps and bounds and a must attend event in the calendar of local events.

Sentsho said the event has the potential to empower the region through sport tourism. ENDS