Cricket duo signs deals in England
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday May 11, 2017 14:13
Motlhanka, who is the national team captain, recently left the country and has already played a number of games for Homewood Cricket Club, which is in the Derbyshire County Cricket League. Tshose, who has gone back to Kelvedon and Feering Cricket Club, where he once had a stint last year, left yesterday.
“I have played two games so far and it’s been a good start for the team starting off with two wins. I have found it a bit challenging adjusting to the cold weather and playing conditions, but it will come together,” the 25-year-old Motlhanka said.
He said hard work ensured that he secures a place in the team where he is a top order batsmen. Motlhanka is a wicket keeper who can bat and bowl. “I want to use this opportunity to learn as much as I can, develop my game and obviously perform well,” Motlhanka said.
Through a friend who plays cricket in England, the national team captain was connected with one of the agents who helped him sign a deal with Homewood Cricket Club.
Motlhanka becomes the second Motswana player to ply his trade overseas after 21-year-old Tshose’s stint with Essex-based Kelvedon and Feering Cricket Club.
Tshose was excited to be re-united with the club.
“This is a dream come true for me to be called again by the club. This time around I want to work hard and prove to be the best maybe I can extend my contract,” said the medium pacer.
His contract runs from May until September. “Having me and Karabo play in England shows that the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) is doing a good job in grooming players. It would be nice if we have more Batswana cricket players in England,” Tshose said.
Last year, Tshose impressed the Kelvedon and Feering Cricket Club coach, who said he was impressed with what he had seen.
BCA fixtures and publicity secretary, Sumod Damodar was elated with the development. He said it shows improvement in the development of players, adding more should follow in Motlhanka and Tshose’s footsteps.