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Meet Ford's 10 Odyssey finalists

<b>8000KM AFRICAN ODYSSEY:</b> Ten finalists will travel across 8000km to compete for a Ford Ranger bakkie. <i>Image – Ford SA</i>
<b>8000KM AFRICAN ODYSSEY:</b> Ten finalists will travel across 8000km to compete for a Ford Ranger bakkie. <i>Image – Ford SA</i>
Ford SA has selected the top 10 finalists to compete in the 2013 Ford Ranger Odyssey Africa after several days of off-road challenges.

They lucky 10 came from 17 finalists chosen for further testing from hundreds of entries based on their technical experience and skill and who survived Ford’s 4x4 "boot camp".

Gavin Golightly, Ford SA's marketing manager, said: “Boot Camp put the diverse group of competitors through their paces on a wide range of challenges. The level of enthusiasm and commitment throughout the four days of competition was truly exceptional and we have to congratulate each of the brave semi-finalists for giving it everything throughout the selection process.”

TRAVEL THROUGH SIX COUNTRIES

The 21-day 8000km expedition will start in Kenya on June 24 2013. Competitors will travel through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mozambique and Zimbabwe with the final leg in South Africa on July 14 2013.

The 10 will be competing for the top prize of a fully accessorised Ford Ranger.

2013 Ford Ranger Odyssey Africa finalists:

Competitors from Gauteng dominate the list with six finalists. Alex Cruickshanks (28), from Randpark Ridge, is a management consultant by day but clearly used his sporting ability as a multiple SA rowing champion to his advantage to secure his spot on the main event.

“Driving through Africa has always been a dream of mine. This is a great opportunity to live the dream” he says.

Bernard Hollander (21) is an industrial psychology student from Pretoria and exploited his youthful exuberance to full effect:. “I’m here to win the awesome Ford Ranger and to gain experience travelling through Africa."

IT technician Richard Rammoneng (32) is passionate about off-roading. “Competing in the Ranger Odyssey will be a dream come true.”

Kugesh Reddy (30) is a banking professional from Sunninghill. “I’m looking forward to experiencing Africa and the ultimate test of man and machine.”

As a commercial diver, Ryno Swart (30) from Roodepoort has physical endurance on his side. “I’m an adventure freak and I love being outdoors,” he says. “Aside from travelling through Africa, I have one goal and that is to win the awesome Ford Ranger.”

Wisaal Anderson (31) lives in Johannesburg and is a lifestyle blogger. “My aim is to have fun and experience new things,” she says. “I have a reputation as a pampered princess, and I hope to change that perception on the Ranger Odyssey.”

The Western Cape, specifically Cape Town, is represented by...

Paula Smith (37) from Durbanville is an accountant and mother of three. “I’ve been dreaming about travelling through Africa since I was 12 and can’t wait to fulfil that dream.”

Dania Petrik (29) from Hout Bay has just completed her master’s on sustainable development and had her first taste of Africa in 2012 while doing research. “I absolutely loved the experience and when I saw the Ranger Odyssey there wasn’t a chance that I would miss this amazing opportunity.”

The two remaining finalists are from kwaZulu-Natal. Donatella d’Aloisio (33) is a business owner from Durban. “I love adventure and I love Africa,” she says. “The Ford Ranger is amazing and I want to get down and dirty with it on an incredible adventure.”

Chloe Boshoff (28) is a photographer from Pietermaritzburg. “I’m very enthusiastic about Africa, photography, and the Ford Ranger, and this event combines all of that into one exceptional adventure.”

The Top 10 will fly to Kenya for the start of the Ranger Odyssey on June 24, from where they will travel through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mozambique and Zimbabwe with the final leg in South Africa on July 14.
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