30 Sep 2022

In an effort to promote sport tourism, Botswana Motor Sport (BMS) hosted a national off-road championship in Maun on Independence Day.

The event, organised by Team Maun Motor Club in conjunction with Team Desert Race from Orapa, attracted bike and quad riders from all clubs across the country.

Team Champs from Gaborone dominated the 200km race, winning most of the categories, which included kids, junior, female, elders and masters.

The 200km race started behind Kwa Nokeng Filling Station, into the bush towards Samedupi settlement, crossing the bridge and meandering into the farms and back to the starting point.

Riders did five laps to complete the race and Baleseng Buzwani of Team Champs emerged the overall winner while Kago Mosekiemang of Team Jwaneng and Geof Khwarae of Team Champs got position two and three respectively.

Under the female category, Tapiwa Khware of Team Champs had no competition as she was the only one who completed the race and all winners were awarded medals and trophies.

The youngest female rider, Zooy Botha from Maun also received a medal as a token of appreciation for her participation.

Some spectators had high hopes that the Maun Team would play it smart and outclass their competitors by taking advantage of their familiarity with routes.

Speaking during the prize ceremony, Lawrence Lecha from Team Maun thanked all riders for embracing the event, saying it was the most attended event of their calendar of the year. 

The event, he said, had grown significantly and believed that next year it would be much bigger. 

He gave credit to their counterparts, Team Desert Race for partnering with them in organising the event. Team Maun, he said, was still at a teething stage but appreciated that Team Desert Race rescued them.

“We hosted at the last stage but we are happy that the event became successful and we thank all stakeholders who came on board,” he added.

Lecha also thanked the main sponsor, Kwa Nokeng Company and others for their contribution towards making the event a success.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi of Chanoga thanked the organisers, saying the race had inspired residents to rise back to life post COVID-19 pandemic.

The event, he said was an adventurous and exciting activity, which added more joy and excitement to residents, adding that it also offered economic opportunities.

“This was an exciting activity that created lasting memories for participants and spectators and I appeal to the public at large to continue supporting such events as they offer fantastic experiences in unique areas,” he added.

Samedupi area, he said had beautiful nature, offering a wonderful experience, great terrain suitable for quad biking. BOPA