Teenage Twins debut 1000 Desert Race

As the countdown begins to the most crucial weekend in Botswana Motorsport, intense preparations are well underway for the highly anticipated Botswana Kalahari Toyota 1000 Desert Race. Among the eager participants are 18-year-old motor riders, Tadiwa Tafa and Tabona Tafa, who are eagerly awaiting their first competition in this thrilling event scheduled from June 23rd to 25th, 2023. Tadiwa, a spirited and ambitious rider, is set to make history as the first female Motswana rider to brave the demanding and nerve-wracking TDR sandy terrain, riding her powerful 250cc KTM offroad racing bike.After a three-year hiatus from Botswana, the TGRSA 1000 Desert Race returns to the diamond-mining town of Jwaneng as Round Three of the Southern African Cross Country Series (SACCS). Competitors are eagerly anticipating this prominent sporting event, which stands as the pinnacle of their calendar.Dubbed Mantshwabisi locally, the TDR temporarily relocated to Selebi-Phikwe in 2019, where it was intended to be held for the following three editions. However, the outbreak of Covid-19 resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 edition, while the 2021 and 2022 races took place in Upington, located in the Northern Cape of South Africa.This year's edition will witness the presence of one of Botswana's remarkable bikers, Tadiwa Tafa, as she etches her name in the annals of history as the first-ever Motswana female participant in the TGR 1000. She will be competing side by side with her twin brother, Tabona Tafa, adding an extra layer of excitement to the race. The twins, who have won several medals and trophies in the local and international races, will be participating at the desert race for the first time. The duo was inspired by their father who was a motorcycle rider.Speaking during their media briefing this week in Gaborone, the twin’s father, Tafa Tafa said that they are doing everything in their power as family to help support their kids for the biggest racing challenge in Botswana.He said that as for preparations, everything is going well, they are ready to showcase their talent, however they are running around looking for partners since motor racing is an expensive sport.“It an amazing journey that these kids have undertaken, to them it is a really a big achievement to participate in the desert race. I used to be their coach, but they are lucky enough to have so many willing riders who are helping them,” Mr Tafa said.Tadiwa , a University of Botswana student says that her preparations have been going well and she is more than excited, ready to take part in the desert race for the first time.“I’m prepared mentally, physical we ride bikes more often, the main goal is to finish the race, and I’m excited that I will also be gaining experience that will add weight to my career,” Tadiwa said.Despite that, the sport is male dominated and dangerous sport, Tadiwa says that she always choose to do it wisely and she learns a lot from the males that she rides with.Tabona, on the other hand, will also be competing in the 1000km for the first time ever in his riding career, he said he is looking forward to the race and his preparations are top notch.“It’s my time to show-off my talent and skills, I have been looking forward to the race; as for preparations, my fitness is amazing because we are always riding as part of our preparations,” he added.

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Teenage Twins debut 1000 Desert Race