Team Uganda is geared up for the 2017 FIM Motocross of African Nations that takes place this weekend in Gaborone, Botswana.
Twenty riders in the captain-ship of Maxime van Pee will travel to Botswana to represent Uganda in different categories.
The team was officially flagged off on Tuesday afternoon by the National Council of Sports (NCS) Assistant General Secretary David Katende.
The NCS sent off the team with 5 million shillings that will carter for the team’s welfare in Botswana.
Speaking at the flag off, the team captain expressed his trust in the riders.
“I would like to thank the NCS for the support extended to the team. The trip is really expensive that why we have small numbers. But the money will help us cover a few things while in Botswana.
“The riders are all prepared for the challenge and ready to collect maximum points for Uganda despite the small numbers.
“I don’t expect my team to face a big challenge on the track in Botswana because it’s more the same like our tracks unlike what happened to us in Zambia and Zimbabwe. So that will work to our advantage,” said van Pee.
Uganda finished second overall last year when the championship in Kenya with Aviv Orland and Asaf Natan scooping victory in the MX5 and MX Veterans respectively.
“My team is very strong. I am sure we shall have podium finishes in each class apart from MX125 were we lack a representative,” added Van Pee.
The team will fly out on Thursday morning.
The event will start on Saturday with practice rounds and heat one. Two heats will be covered on Sunday before the final winners are crowned.
Uganda MX team
Malcome Gift Tabula MX50
Joziah Walugembe MX50
Esther Mwangala 65
Alon Orland 65
Milton Obote Akena 65
Milton Obote Akaki 65
Joshua Mwangala 85
Aviv Orland 85
Stav Orland 85
Fortune Sentamu 85
Klyan Wekesa 85
Sam Foreman 85
Barack Orland Vets
Asaf Natan Vets
Peter Pelser Masters