Branch P200,000 short ahead of Dakar Rally

Branch told Mmegi Sport this week that he has to rely on donations from the public and private companies alike after failing to secure funding from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC).

“Fundraising is the hardest part of going to compete in the race. You need a really big budget to compete in this event, as all the expenses are euros so the exchange rate plays a big role in the overall cost of the race,” he said. “Unfortunately, BNSC could not help me with this. There has been so much support from local companies. It has really been amazing. So many people have come together to help me reach my target. We are P200,000 short, but we are trying really hard to raise that before I leave.”   The 32-year-old, however, said the financial struggles have not deterred his preparations for the endurance race.  He said he has been having a good workout locally, in Namibia and South Africa but said the Dakar Rally will be the biggest challenge of his colourful career.