04 Feb 2024

Motorcycle racer, Ross Branch, who finished second at the just ended Dakar Rally, has been rewarded with P124 000.

Presenting a cheque to Branch during an appreciation dinner hosted in his honour by Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), Minister of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said P100 000 was for his second place podium finish, P20 000 for qualifying for the Dakar Rally whilst P4 000 was for participation at the rally.

‘Additionally, we will assist him with P100 000 for next Dakar Rally competition,” Rakgare said.

As the first Motswana to achieve a podium finish at the Dakar Rally and for being the best African biker at the race, Rakgare said Branch would continue to be one of Botswana’s greatest ambassadors.

He said Branch had not only improved his performance over the years, but significantly increased his fan base.

This, he said eventually secured him partnerships with entities such as Lucara and Hero.Rakgare said potential to grow Botswana sport and showcase Batswana talent was immense.

He therefore urged Botswana Motorsport executive to engage with BNSC and Botswana Tourism Organisation as well as Botswana Investment and Trade Centre to leverage on these successes and figure out the best way to grow motorsport in Botswana.

“Achievements such as this should remind you of the opportunity available to you to contribute to the betterment of this country,” Rakgare said.

Branch expressed gratitude to the nation for their support in his journey.

“This has always been a childhood dream to get a Dakar Rally podium finish,” Branch said.  He said the nation’s support was what got him through as he was faced with the toughest race. ever.

“It got lonely at times having to be alone in the desert, but knowing I had support from home kept me going,”

Branch said sport had always been his passion as he was not academically gifted.

He encouraged young people who aspired to achieve such dreams to work hard and focus on their goals.

Kagiso Modibedi, Botswana Motorsport president also expressed his gratitude at Branch’s win saying they were proud as a country and association.

He said the rally was one of the toughest, but Branch showed the world that with perseverance it was possible.

Meanwhile, BNSC board chairperson Marumo Morule applauded Branch for his achievement  saying his accomplishment at the Dakar Rally was a rare moment for a small population country such as Botswana. ENDS