I knew i found love...

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Baleseng Batlotleng

Location : Gaborone

Event : Feature

A couple of years ago, four years to be precise, he met the prettiest girl in the world. He still remembers that trip to Maun that eventually changed his life like it was yesterday. Botswana Television Sport personality Nelson Ditibane knew from that moment that he was in love. 

Like any other man Manelo, as Ditibane is fondly called by those close to him, has crossed paths with other women in his life but the first time he saw Mmamotse Ditibane nee Puso he saw love. 

Mmamotse has natural beauty that could easily melt a strong heart. 

With her sparkling wit, magnetic charm and disarming looks Mmamotse fits the perfect description of the Hebrew beauty queen Delilah, in the Book of Judges. 

At that time in Maun the lanky lass Mmamotse was on her routine holiday trip with a few colleagues for a boat cruise at the majestic Thamalakane River. 

“You know a few friends made advances but he came straight to me and gave me a warm hug, we had a lot of fun. 

We fell in love,” explains Mmamotse. From that moment as they always say the rest was history. 

Now after four years of courtship the couple took it to the next level and walked down the aisle. 

Taking a trip down memory lane Mmamotse explains that she did not know the popular TV sport personality, “ ebile o seka wa akanya gore go mmereketse nako ya teng gore abo ele motho le TV….nna ne ke sa mo itse gotlhelele…” she quips. 

Nelson was born in a large family of  10. 

He grew up being spoilt for choice growing under the care of his many aunts in the of Ramotswa. 

However he didn`t spend much time in Ramotswa, but took turns enjoying his aunt`s care and kindness from an early age spending time in Lobatse, Lichtenburg or Ramotswa. 

He grew up in a Catholic Church family inspired by the teachings and traditions of the catholic doctrine. 

“ ke godile hela jalo knowing that the greatest education that one can receive is exactly what life teaches them. 

I have gone through all formal education but I firmly believe life is the greatest teacher,” he says. 

But the greatest lesson, according to him was finding God. 

While a student at the University of Botswana he met a friend called Sefapaano Gaborone and he taught him extensively about spirituality. 

For his professional career Nelson is providing Pastoral Care and Guidance as a Head of Department at Sedumedi Secondary School in Molepolole. 

Television sport presenting and commentary has always been ingrained in his heart. As a young man he was inspired by Radio Mmabatho commentators in the mold of Molokwe Kgaswe and Aubrey Motloung amongst others. 

“During our spare time in school we used to mimic these guys with my friend Dipheko Motube,” he says. 

Locally Nelson was greatly inspired by the likes of Thomas Chalebgwa, Raymond Tsheko and Edson Malebane. His first break into commentating came during national soccer team Zebras assignment. 

“On air I sometimes say things I never planned to say and when I watch the recording I laugh. 

I know it`s important to prepare but flowing with the game is very important to me,” he says.  

The Mascom Top 8 final between Orapa United and Township Rollers will remain his memorable soccer match so far. 

According to him he felt the true essence of a soccer match and the love of the supporters, the television production was top class and the new stadium was filled to the rafters.

Nelson has a close connection to his viewers, a connection which becomes emotionally taxing sometimes. “Mme mongwe yo mogolwane o kile a tswa Serowe a bo a mpha podi a re ngwanaka fa o gasa mmetshe kena le monnamogolonyana wame ha re batle go suta,”

Nelson has already received positive feedback about something he does passionately. 

One striking feature about his commentary is the heavy tinge of Setswana proverbs amongst them…. sa mosima se jewa ke yoo thata…….mma re di tlogele di kgaolane megatla ke tsa mosima o le mongwe and ke tla ja ga se ke jele!!

Some have accused him of having a soft spot for certain teams in the premiership and Manelo could not hide his close affection to the likes of Extension Gunners, Gaborone United and Township Rollers. 

He grew up in Lobatse and felt close to Gunners, he played for GU`s development side and used to carry Oris Radipotsane`s soccer boots to Rollers training grounds.

Quizzed on what has been the lowest moment in life thus far Nelson is quick to admit that his mother`s passing last year left a gaping hole in his life. 

But his new union with the Mahalapye born beauty will rekindle his inner soul and offer him a new lease in life.