Metropolitan parts ways with Chess
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday April 7, 2025 13:54
The decision has been met by shock from the chess community, as they regarded the Metropolitan Championship as part of their culture and the highest paying event. The 2025 edition has received P160, 000 with the second qualifiers set for April and finals will be played in May. The BCF public relations officer, Goitsemodimo Makgatle, told SportMonitor that Metropolitan has decided to shift focus from sponsoring sport, with interest elsewhere. “They informed us that they want to focus on other social challenges in the community. But I think we can still go back to them and try to negotiate another sponsorship. They have done a lot for us, by maintaining a sponsorship of over 20 years. They have taken our sport to a higher level,” she said. Makgatle said the chess community has always been looking forward to the tournament because of enticing prizes. She said over the weekend, during the first leg, there was an overwhelming registration, 200 players, an increase from 150 in 2024.
She said that is the indication of excitement the tournament brings. Makgatle said losing the sponsorship will be a huge blow because they gave also lost the league sponsor, which was Debswana Mining Company. She said it now means they remain without any sponsorship. “As the executive committee we now have a task to look for another sponsorship because the chess community is expecting us to do that,” he said. Speaking during the sponsorship launch, Metropolitan Life Botswana chief risk officer, Boikobo Itshepeng, said the 2025 sponsorship was the conclusion of a partnership that had flourished for over 20 years. “Metropolitan has been honoured to support the Botswana Chess Federation fostering intellectual growth and strategic thinking through this long-standing sponsorship. As we turn this page, we reflect on the pride on the impact we have made together and we look forward into the future of chess in Botswana,” he said. Itshepeng said over the years, the Metropolitan sponsorship has contributed to the development of talented chess players, inspiring a generation of thinkers and problem solvers. “As we hand over the baton to the next potential sponsor, we do so with confidence that the legacy we have built will continue to grow. Beyond chess, Metropolitan remains dedicated to uplifting communities particularly through initiatives that empower underprivileged groups,” Itshepeng said.