Motlhanka humbled after special award
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday June 8, 2024 06:00
Motlhanka was recently voted the Public Athlete of the Year at the 43rd Botswana Sports Awards but received his accolade at a special function last week. Motlhanka plays primarily as a right-handed batsman for the senior team and also keeps the wicket. He has had stints in the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe and has also led the team to some memorable victories, notably over Namibia in 2018. Montlhaka received his trophy for the award from Minister of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture Tumiso Rakgare at a function held on May 31. “This award is probably the most pleasing I've ever received because it is a symbol of appreciation and support for the hard work that I have put in over the years. To get some recognition for my efforts, for the first time at home, is special. I was over the moon to be nominated but to win an award is the cherry on top,” Motlhanka said.
The 32-year-old was nominated for Sportsman of the Year alongside, Ross Branch and Letsile Tebogo. A University of Botswana graduate, Motlhanka has been the shining light for the cricket side and has increasingly become a role model for budding young talents. Cricket was previously dominated by expatriates. Motlhanka said the award means a lot to a sport that has not enjoyed prominence like popular codes such as football and athletics. “In my opinion, cricket is one of Botswana's best team sports, despite not being one of the most popular. I think this award shows that some quality cricket talent is being produced in Botswana and it has been for some time. We still have massive potential for the sport to grow. The wish is that we gather some attention from potential sponsors who will come in and boost the sport to completely new levels,” Motlhanka said.
He said he has remained focused, which is why he believes he was recognised for the hard work he has put in. “I think the first thing I've tried to do right, especially since the introduction of contracts for Botswana cricketers a couple of years ago, is to be as professional as possible. After that, I believe performances on the field take care of themselves if the right things are done in preparation. Also, I tried to encourage everyone I knew to vote for me when I became aware that the Public Athlete of the Year Award would be won through voting,” Motlhanka said. He said with competition over the world and in Africa in particular, increasing, it is important for Botswana to keep abreast. Africa has two debutants at the ongoing T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States after Namibia and Uganda caused upsets in the qualifiers.