Digawana's finest gift to the nation falls silent
Mqondisi Dube | Friday April 10, 2026 11:29
At 5am on Sunday, 'Talk Talk' was full of life, returning home from a late night out, the nation and those close to him unaware that by late evening, he would be referred to in the past.
A man who embodied undoubted commitment on the field succumbed to his death away from the public eyes and the loud cheers that greeted him from the Lobatse Council Stadium dug-out to far-flung venues on the extreme ends of the continent.
'Talk Talk' grew into a larger-than-life character, a figure that was revered on and off the pitch, and undoubtedly shaped new narratives around his generation.
He was regarded as a free-spirited player who, despite his love for the bottle, hardly made negative headlines or allowed his off-field behaviour to drag down his performance.
Instead, it was his sheer commitment and hard work that defined a player whose life was cut short at just 46. In those 46 years, Talk Talk had left an 'indelible mark', as the regular obituary cliché goes.
At times, it did not matter whether you were a football fan or not; his moniker, 'Talk Talk', cut across demography and social alignments. Post-retirement in 2019, his nickname gained new meaning as it was used to refer to politicians fond of the microphone.
Few footballers have had such a social impact on a community that was heavily impacted by the heroics of Veselin Jelušić's Zebras.
'Talk Talk' was a vital cog in that system after he gate-crashed the Zebras party as narrated by national teammate, Joel Mogorosi, in his message of condolences.
'Came a friendly game ... Gunners vs Zebras in a friendly game and you took 'Dipsy' man to man until he gets angry and coach Vasco told them he is not going back to Gabz without you, e bo bus ya Zebras e latela dilwana tsa gao ko digawana (and the bus went for your luggage in Digawana) for you to come for your first camp ya Zebras (sic),' Mogorosi wrote on his Facebook page.
The post lays bare the talent that the man who began his journey at the modest Southern Pirates had. Competition for places in the national team was stiff, with the Jelušić squad acknowledged as amongst, if not the best, crop. Talk Talk seamlessly fitted into successive national team coaches' plans and remained integral at the club level.
At the height of the Zebras' revival under Jelušić, Motlhabankwe played a starring role against the Flames of Malawi, a decent side that was ranked above Botswana at the time.
Talk Talk scored a memorable goal in a shock 3-1 defeat of Malawi. It was June 18, 2005, when an overlapping Motlhabankwe found space to send a looping ball into the net in the 88th minute as Malawi searched for an equaliser.
Then Motlhabankwe was at Extension Gunners and together with the likes of Finkie 'MaThousand' Mothibi, had redefined the spirit of resilience in a side that was on a slide.
Talk Talk had stayed despite the evident turbulence at Gunners, but he could not hold on too long. He was soon on his way to the all-conquering Mochudi Centre Chiefs side, which was under the tutelage of chairperson, Ernest Molome. The charismatic Motlhabankwe, who played across the defence line and in the holding midfielder role, was instrumental as Chiefs cantered to the title unbeaten in 2008.
He enjoyed unparalleled success before he crossed to Gilport Lions (formerly BMC) in 2013, before a dream move to Township Rollers, the club he supported.
His influence on local football continued to balloon as he racked up more league titles under a dominant and professional Popa, under the management of Jagdish Shah.
Motlhabankwe's national team highlight came when he became part of the 2012 side that took part in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, a first for the country.
At the end of the 2019 season, the curtain fell on Motlhabankwe's illustrious career, and the stocky Digawana native had left behind footprints difficult to erase.
Despite his industry and undoubted talent, Motlhabankwe surprisingly did not play abroad at a time when his Zebras compatriots regularly secured deals, particularly in South Africa.
In one interview with sports presenter Edwin Mashiakgomo, Talk Talk indicated that he was close to signing for Swallows, where a R5,000 contract was on the table.
However, he said he felt he was good enough and was confident a better opportunity would come, a decision he later regretted.
But as scores descend on Digawana to lay to rest one of football's most recognisable characters tomorrow, the name Talk Talk will leave well long after the owner has departed this world.