Ross Branch, the motorcycle racer who finished second at the recently concluded Dakar Rally, has been honoured and given an incentive of P124,000.
Branch was lauded and presented with a cheque at an appreciation dinner held in his honour by the Botswana National Sports Commission last Thursday. Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare presented the cheque, breaking it down as P100,000 for his second place podium finish, P20,000 for qualifying for the Dakar Rally, and P4,000 for his participation in the international rally.
“Additionally, we will assist him with P100,000 for the next Dakar Rally competition,” Rakgare stated.
As the first Motswana to achieve a podium finish at the Dakar Rally and being recorded as the best African biker at the 2024 championship race, Rakgare said Branch would continue to be one of the greatest country’s ambassadors. He noted that Branch had improved his performance over the years and significantly increased his fans and supporters, leading to partnerships with entities such as Lucara and Hero.
Rakgare highlighted the potential to grow Botswana sports and showcase Batswana talent, urging the Botswana Motorsport Executive to engage with BNSC, Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), and Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) to leverage these successes and plan the best way to grow motorsport in Botswana, ultimately aiming to promote the country and increase revenue.
“Achievements such as this should remind you of the opportunity available to contribute to the betterment of this country,” Rakgare said.
For his part, Branch expressed gratitude to the nation for its support, stating,
“This has always been a childhood dream, to achieve a Dakar Rally podium finish.”
He further said knowing he had local support kept him going during the toughest race and encouraged young people with the same aspirations to work hard and focus on their goals.
Kagiso Modibedi, Botswana Motorsport president, also expressed gratitude for Branch’s wins, saying they were a source of pride for the country and the association. He noted that the rally was one of the toughest, but Branch showed the world that with perseverance, achieving success was possible.
Source: Team Jwaneng Racing via Facebook
