27 Dec 2018

Motorbike sensation, Ross Branch left for Peru on December 25, to feature in the Dakar Rally, where he will represent Botswana and the entire continent in the toughest race in the world to be held from January 6-15.

The motorbike enthusiast promised the nation and well-wishers, who came in large numbers to wish him well during a send-off ceremony on December 25, that he would put the country’s flag on the map.

The send-off ceremony was organised by the Okavango Motor Club vice president, Harish Muduvall in Maun.

Branch, who has been dominating the National National Cross Country Championships over the years, believes that has put him in good stead to do well at the competition.

He said he was well prepared for the race, which is reported to be the toughest in the world.

He thanked Muduvall for the gesture saying that it was a motivation to him.

He also thanked Okavango Motor Club for demonstrating love and support towards his preparations.

Muduvall said  he found it fit to organise a send-off cermeony for Branch to show him support.

He said the race was one of the world’s most prestigious event hence ‘the need to rally behind our one and only Motswana representing us there’.

He predicted that Branch would not disappoint and finish in the top 10.

He said the riders who would participate in the race were super talented and believed Branch was also capable of making surprises as he had been excelling in many races.

Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi also wished Branch well and believed that he would hoist Botswana flag high.

Meanwhile, Muduvall organised a donkey cart, which transported Branch to Maun Airport in a parade escorted by other motorbike riders.

Well-wishers, who came to bid him farewell, were optimistic that he would make Batswana proud at the race. ENDS