Metropolitan pumps P152, 800 into Chess
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday March 18, 2024 15:19
Metropolitan contributed P152, 800 towards the 2024 BCF National Championships. Speaking at the sponsorship handover, Metropolitan Life of Botswana chief executive officer, Boitumelo Mogopa, said her company has been a stalwart supporter of intellectual pursuits and strategic thinking for over two decades, exemplified by the unwavering commitment to the BCF. “Over the duration of our partnership with the BCF, Metropolitan has contributed significantly with sponsorship exceeding P1.5 million.
This substantial investment underscores our steadfast commitment o fostering intellectual underscores inclusivity, and empowering the next generation of strategic thinkers. As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded of the transformative impact of our collaboration and remain dedicated to furthering the reach and impact of chess within our community,” Mogopa said.
She said Metropolitan is committed to advocating for the girl-child within the world of chess. She said traditionally seen as a male dominated arena, chess, like life, demands diverse perspectives, talents and voices. Mogopa said Metropolitan seeks to be a catalyst for change by developing and nurturing future actuaries. Former BCF president, Tshenolo Maruatona, said they are always sure of sponsorship from Metropolitan annually while it is a guessing game for other sponsors. “I propose that in future we should agree on longer contracts with sponsors because that will enable us to plan ahead and be sure that the tournament is going to happen. Every player is always looking forward to playing in the Metropolitan national championships and the stakes are always high. Every team that goes to the Olympiad always has national champions from this tournament,” Maruatona said.
For his part the BCF president, Mooketsi Segaise, said chess is not just a sport, but a tool for education, excellence, cognitive thinking and that Metropolitan has identified it as such. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Chess Championships first qualifiers were played over the weekend at BECT.
The competition was tough especially in the Open Section. Only top 23 male players from the Open Section advanced to the second stage while only 17 players from the Women section booked their slots in the second round of the tournament. By the end of round five, Botswana’s highest rated player, International Master (IM) Providence Oatlhotse, was leading the Open Section with five points. Kgosietsile Kitso was in position two after accumulating 4.5 points followed by Thabang Magowe in position three with four points and Tshepo Moagesi was placed in position four also with four points.
The young sensation, Thuto Mpene was in position five after collecting four points with Keletshabile Monnatsheko in position six also with four points. Woman FIDE Master (WFM), Naledi Marape, was leading the Women Section with four points after round five. Maya Otimile occupied the second spot with four points and Woman Candidate Master (WCM), Arona Moshoboro, was in position three with four points. Lame Mhate was in position four after collecting four points with WCM Refilwe Gabatshwarwe in position five with 3.5 points.