13 Apr 2026

Hymns soared like stadium anthems as thousands of soccer fans, teammates and admirers gathered in Digawana on Saturday to bid a final farewell to one of Botswana’s football greats, Tshepo Onalenna McDonald “Talk-Talk” Motlhabankwe, born on March 17, 1981.

Born and raised in Digawana, the player later famously known as Talk-Talk rose to become a rock-solid right-back for the Zebras. He was a key member of the historic squad that delivered Botswana’s proudest football moment, qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 2012.

The late defender earned 75 caps for Botswana and enjoyed a glittering club career, winning seven Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and featuring in the CAF Champions League group stages. Beyond his on-field achievements, Talk-Talk was widely admired for his humility, unity-building spirit, and genuine love for the game and his community.

Speaking during the funeral, Botswana Football Association (BFA) President Tariq Babitseng described the late footballer’s journey as truly unique. He noted that even after retirement, Talk-Talk continued to serve the sport as a coach and sponsor for clubs in his home village of Digawana.

“Talk-Talk embodied humility and unity, values that all Batswana should embrace as we shape our nation’s destiny,” Babitseng said. He added that the late icon’s aura of love fostered unity across football clubs in Digawana and left an indelible mark on the entire sporting fraternity.

The BFA president recounted Talk-Talk’s remarkable career path, which began at Southern Pirates before moving to Extension Gunners, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Gilport Lions, and Township Rollers.

He highlighted that Talk-Talk was part of the legendary Mochudi Centre Chiefs squad that achieved the unprecedented feat of winning the Premier League and FA Cup in a single unbeaten season – a first in Botswana football.

Although he went for trials with South Africa’s SuperSport United but did not make the team, Talk-Talk remained undeterred and went on to build a legendary career on home soil.

Babitseng further announced that the Ministry of Sport and Arts has pledged to honour the football icon with a statue as a lasting symbol of his mastery and excellence.

Earlier, Football Union Botswana (FUB) representative Lesego Molemogi called on football leadership to properly honour Talk-Talk’s contributions. He proposed the establishment of an award in the late player’s name and noted that Talk-Talk won four back-to-back Premier League titles with his boyhood club, Township Rollers.

The caregiver of the late footballer, Sethugi Motlhabankwe, revealed that Talk-Talk showed no signs of illness and passed away peacefully in his sleep.

The 45 year-old was the firstborn child of Daniel Motlhabankwe and the late Seitiso Motlhabankwe.

He is survived by his father, seven siblings (four brothers and three sisters), 12 nieces and nephews and his two children, a daughter and a son.ENDS