Tatolo returns as Chess president
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday July 30, 2025 06:00
He was unopposed during an elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was held in Palapye over the weekend. The former BCF public relations director contested for the same position in 2021 but lost to Mooketsi Segaise. In 2024, she was appointed to lead an interim committee after some clubs decided to push out the previous executive committee through a motion of no confidence. Tatolo told Sport Monitor that after accepting the role to lead the BCF, she was happy to be part of the team that was elected.
The new code president also said the team has balance of experience, accomplishment and knowledge required to bring Botswana chess back to the status it once had and higher.
“I have not yet had a chance to meet the entire committee to set our four years strategy. However, the highest priority will be to secure funding for youth events, team/clubs events, differently abled young chess players and international tournaments,” she said.
“Government funding is limited and it is up to us to make sure that the sport code endures.
“We are yet to get acquainted with the state of affairs of the office we are assuming.”
Tatolo applauded the previous committee for facilitating a smooth elections process and seeing it fit to entrust her team with national responsibility.
The vice president-technical is Thabo Gumbo of En Passent club who emerged victorious over Ranku Kesiilwe of Mochudi chess club and Pudungwane Lesole of Chess Motifs.
Oabona Keabofe (Chess Motifs) is vice president administration after beating Pako Moloi of Mochudi chess. The secretary-general is Kgalalelo Botlhole (En Passent) who won over Kabelo Msale of Francistown chess club.
Kebalepile Francis of Black Bishops has been elected as the new treasurer while the development director is Dolly Thapelo of Mochudi chess club.
Thompson Modisane (Mochudi) was unopposed and he continues as the BCF technical and ratings director. Goitsemodimo Makgatle (Ice Queen chess club) also continues as public relations director after surviving a scare from Dudu Olefile of En Passent.
The voting ended in a tie break broken by the outgoing president, Segaise.