National motocross team in Botswana

The first group of Uganda's motocross team. PHOTOS: Johnson Were

The first group of Team Uganda riders arrived in Botswana on Wednesday for the FIM Africa Nations motocross championship on Friday, Saturday and Sunday promising victory in their respective classes.

Asaf Natan, Barak Orland (Veterans Class), Aviv Orland, Stav Orland in the 85cc class are confident of a podium finish in their respective classes.

Asaf and Aviv are defending champions of the Veterans and 85cc classes respectively having won the titles last year in Kenya where Uganda finished second overall behind defending champions Kenya.

"Yes I know the competition is going to be tight but I think I have prepared enough to handle the pressure and avoid mistakes," Aviv stated after arriving in Botswana.

 Barak Orland in action

The 13-year old who has been competing in USA, added that he has got enough exposure and will be out to ride without any pressure but only focus on not doing any mistakes on the track.

The first group including Asaf Natan, Barak Orland, Sam Foreman, who will be competing in the Veteran class and the Orland Brothers Aviv, Stav and Alon Orland arrived ready for the annual continental event.

Aviv will face a tough challenge from riders from South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Congo, Swaziland, Zambia and Ivory coast.

He will also be challenged by his young brother Stav Orland and 2016 85cc champion Fortune Ssentamu who also acquired a new 2017 bike.

The Ugandan team comprise of twenty riders including; team captain Maxime Van Pee, Peter Pelser, Fatuh Kiggundu, Gift Ssebuguzi, Akaki Obote, Akena Obote, Joshua Mwangala, Fortune Ssentamu, Sam Foreman, Kylan Wekesa, Josea Walugembe and Olivier Van Pee.

Others are Barak Orland, Asaf Natan, Aviv Orland, Stav Orland, Alon Orland, Esther Mwangala, Shafique Ssekito and Orobia Malungu.