Banks was not critically hurt in the mishap, as he was not hospitalised like the others who were with him. His death came as a shock to those who saw him after the accident. It was even reported that he was recovering well.
Lately, there have been car accidents involving football enthusiasts. Tafic lost officials through a car accident and a passenger in Banks' car is recuperating in hospital so are FC Satmos officials also after a car crash. Last weekend, Rollers' coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare was involved in a car accident in South Africa after the Under-23 Olympic Games qualifier.
It is tragic to lose a person of Banks' calibre. In football terms, at 44 years, he was still young. He was still learning the ropes, and the nation was banking on him for more top honours. Within a short time of taking up coaching, Banks had already proven his mettle. He broke onto the Botswana soccer scene as an assistant coach to Paul Moyo. During their tenure, Notwane won every tournament on offer, including the league title.
But he was to prove himself even more at Township Rollers when they were campaigning in the First Division. Rollers won promotion to the elite league the same year. He went on to win the Coca-Cola Cup with Rollers. The "Blues", as Rollers are affectionately called by their hordes of supporters, made history as the first team campaigning as a first division to clinch the coveted cup. However, Rollers severed their ties with Banks upon which he returned to Notwane where he assumed the role of head coach. He has had mixed fortunes with the team. But he won the Coca-Cola Cup with them last year. He died while with the team. Banks was the Zebras' assistant coach. He also coached the national Under-20s and Under-23s. A football servant has passed on. May His Soul Rest In Peace.
