Motlhanka steps down as cricket captain after 11-year reign
Mqondisi Dube | Monday October 12, 2026 06:00
The cricketer explained the decision was not an easy one and was something he had contemplated several times over the years, only to be persuaded to continue.
“I did not take the decision lightly, and it has been something that I have attempted to do many times over the 11 years, but I have always, somehow, been convinced to carry on. I'm sure we can agree that it is an unusually long time for someone to serve as an international captain,” Motlhanka said. The veteran cricket player added the timing was now right, particularly given the stage of his career and his commitments in the United Kingdom, which often keep him away from Botswana. “Looking at the phase of my career that I am in, I think it is the best way to get the most out of myself for what remains of my international career. I also had to consider that I spend a lot of time away from Botswana due to my commitments in the UK. It just felt like the right time,” he said.
His 11-year tenure has produced both memorable highs and difficult moments. Motlhanka identified Botswana’s failure to qualify at the most recent qualifiers hosted in the country as his lowest point, whilst the 2018 qualification campaign remains his standout memory.
“My lowest point was probably the most recent. Failing to qualify at the recent qualifiers hosted in Botswana was one of the most difficult things to swallow,” he said. “The high, of course, was when the opposite happened in 2018. We qualified at home and beat Namibia, the highest-ranked team we've ever defeated.”
Although he has relinquished the captaincy, Motlhanka has not completely closed the door on taking charge in exceptional circumstances.
“If given the chance to do it on the odd occasion, out of absolute necessity, I'll always be happy to help. But I think my days at the helm are well and truly behind me,” he said.
Instead, Motlhanka is looking forward to experiencing international cricket without the additional responsibility of leadership.
“I'm quite excited about being just one of the boys, a feeling I haven't had since the early days of my career,” he said.
The transition could be made easier by the emergence of Thatayaone Tshose, who has already taken over the captaincy on several occasions in Motlhanka’s absence. Motlhanka believes Tshose has demonstrated that he is capable of taking on the demanding role, having already gained valuable experience.
“I think we have seen in recent times that Thatayaone Tshose has taken over in my absence on quite a few occasions. It makes my decision easier when you have someone who's already been through their apprenticeship and is an experienced player themselves, do quite well at adjusting to what is a very difficult job at the moment,” he said.