18 Dec 2024

Diamond industry leader Lucara Botswana has honoured the celebrated local motorcycle racer Ross Branch and the mighty Mares (Botswana senior national women football team) with monetary prizes in recognition of their exceptional achievements.

International Motocycle Federation (FIM) champion Branch and The Mares were honoured with P500 000 each for their achievements. 

Lucara Botswana managing director Naseem Lahri said the company’s was commited to celebrating excellence and inspiring future success in the sports space.

The gesture, she said, does not only acknowledge hard work, but also sets a benchmark for future excellence in both sports and creative industries.

“Sport is one of the most impactful platforms to inspire, unite and transform lives. Ross Branch successes serves as a shining example to Botswana youth as it would motivate them to dream big, work hard and stay perseverant against all odds to the very best of their journeys,” she said

Lahri further described The Mares as beacons of hope who firmly placed the regional football on the map and served as role models for young boys and girls across the country.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Sport and Arts, Tebogo Matebesi emphasised the need for more of such strategic partnerships and investment in Botswana sport sector to incentivise advancement of sporting excellence.

“I extend my appreciation to Lucara Botswana for their exemplary commitment to corporate social responsibility through initiatives that nurture talent and prioritize national developmental goals. 

This strategic investment highlights the critical role public and private sector partnerships aimed at unlocking potential and creating blueprint for meaningful contributions to national priorities.” said Matebesi.

The Mares is currently in the midst of preparations for upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the lucrative sponsorship serves as overall readiness for The Mares. 

Branch is to represent Botswana on the continental stage in the coming year.

Lucara Botswana is also committed to empowering sporting communities to leverage opportunities for future generations thus building a lasting legacy for the nation and inspiring positive and sustainable change. ENDS