30 May 2024

Botswana men’s national cricket team captain, Karabo Motlhanka has won the Public Athlete of the year award.

He was a nominee together with tennis player Denzel Seetso, Sethunya Majama, Oratile Nowe, Collen Kebinatshipi and Letsile Tebogo from athletics as well as Kao Nsala of karate, Refilwe Tholakele of football and Ross Branch of motorsport .

Motlhanka was handed his trophy on Wednesday where Botswana National Sport Commission, chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho said the award was a reflection of the voice and passion of the public, who actively participated in the voting process through an SMS system.

He said it was an award that symbolised the bond between athletes and their supporters, adding that they understood the anticipation and excitement surrounding the category.

He said the decision to not present the award during the main ceremony was not taken lightly as they had made a deliberate commitment to ensure the utmost intergrity and transparency in the process. 

“We wanted to provide ample time for diligent auditing and scrutinising of the voting results by a respected local audit firm, Baker Tilly,” he said. 

The CEO thanked members of the public who participated in the voting process, adding that their engagement and support was what made sport community vibrant and dynamic. 

“I also want to thank the VIB Mobile and Baker Tilly for their meticulous work in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the results,” he said. 

Motlhanka said he was honoured to have been voted as the Public Athlete of the year.

He said he had nothing to show for having played for Botswana for a very long time. 

This time around, he said he was happy that the recognised and voted for him. 

Motlhanka said Cricket was not a popular sport, and therefore for the public to vote for him was a clear indication that he was doing something noticeable. ENDS