The Botswana Motor Sport (BMS) sent an eight-member squad to the continental finals to be held from today (Friday) until Sunday.
The squad is without the country’s top biker Ross Branch alongside Kagiso Stephens, Boineelo Rantao, Dartagnan Lobjoit, and Brady Armstrong amongst others.
Earlier this week, the BMS announced they were forced to trim the squad down to just eight bikers from an initial 22 members.
The BMS has struggled to source funds for the trip and riders had to rely on their personal sponsors to fund the trip. Speaking to Mmegi Sport prior to the team’s departure, Captain Kosmas Mamaloukos welcomed the load to carry the team to the championship.
He said despite the challenges the young squad has faced during preparations, the team is ready to leave a mark in Uganda and has not set any target for the competition to ease the pressure.
“I am very much privileged and excited to be the team captain for 2022 as I believe I have the attributes to carry our team giving them the highest support they need through MXoAN 2022. I will be leading a team that consists of a lot of young riders. They may be young but they carry a great level of potential and talent.
We are going to Uganda to do our best and compete against these guys and see what we can do. Dynamite comes in small packages. “We have encountered many challenges as a team from injuries to logistical technicalities. We have stayed strong and prepared full force and we won't give up. I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who supported us on this journey.
We will take the country to greater heights and do our best,” Mamoloukos said. The captain is one of the most experienced riders in the team, alongside Andre Kruger who will be competing in the elite MX1 Class.
Tadiwa Tafa has travelled with the squad as the only female rider. Botswana last competed at the MXoAN in 2019 as the two previous editions in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to COVID-19. Botswana hosted the MXoAN in 2017 and has never claimed the continental championship.
The full team
Mx50: Levi Kruger Mx Lites: Seth Meyer, Radikolo Linchwe
Mx High School: Euan Harmse, Zameer Bodhanya
Mx Ladies: Tadiwa Tafa
Mx2: Kosmas Mamaloukos
Mx1: Andre Kruger
