Motlhanka settling well at English club
Mqondisi Dube | Monday May 5, 2025 06:00
Motlhanka, who has previous experience playing in the UK and Zimbabwe, joins the Bristol City-based side until the end of the season in September. In 2017, Motlhanka was in the UK where he played for the Holmewood Cricket Club, scoring 902 runs in 33 matches. This time he returns to play for Cleeve, a club that competes in the Bristol and District Senior Division and is aiming for promotion to the Premier League. Their season starts on Saturday and Motlhanka is expected to be in action as a specialist batsman and spin bowler. Motlhanka also plays as an occasional wicket-keeper for the national team.
His move to the UK was initiated after contact with his agent, Robbie Humphries in December. 'I got in touch with Cleeve Cricket Club after I got a call from my agent, Robbie Humphries last year in December. We then had a fruitful meeting where the club shared with me their ambitions and requirements. Both parties were quite satisfied and after that we started to work on the deal,' Motlhanka said. He said he has been warmly welcomed by his new teammates and is optimistic ahead of the start of the season. 'I am enjoying it so far. I have received a really warm welcome and I have had a very good week of settling down. I am just looking forward to the cricket season which starts this Saturday,' Motlhanka said.
He is looking staying beyond his current deal if all goes well. 'I am going to be here until September, which is when the cricket season ends. Depending on how things go during my time here, we could potentially discuss a return for next season, but for now, we will just take it one step at a time and work to win cricket matches,' Motlhanka said. John Parsons, chair of Cleeve is quoted by the North Sommerset Times as saying the signing of Motlhanka is an indication of the club's ambitions. 'The committee continues to support the players with investment in excellent playing facilities and welcomes Karabo to our inclusive and friendly club. This signing shows the club’s desire to push for promotion again this season,' Parsons said. The Botswana captain's stock has been on the rise, with Motlhanka receiving nomination for the Botswana Sports Awards' Sportsman of the Year for two consecutive years. On both occasions, he lost out to sprint star, Letsile Tebogo. Last year, Motlhanka was voted the Public Athlete of the Year at the Botswana Sports Awards, receiving his accolade at a special function. In 2024, the 33-year-old was Botswana's leading run scorer with 327 from 13 innings at an average of 27.25.