National Chess Youth, Cadets tournament keeps growing
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday October 28, 2025 09:51
Its fourth edition of the championships was attended by 230 young players from Botswana, Zimbabwe and Lesotho and was organised by Chess Interactions Botswana. Vincent Masole from the organising team told Sport Monitor that growth is not entirely on the number of players coming, it is mostly about small things that matter to them as chess development coaches.
He explained that this year, for the first time, they introduced the Under Six age category, which is a great initiative that increases the pyramid.
“We want this success to spread across so schools academics and clubs can start introducing chess to kids of about three or four years. One of the objectives is to have our kids compete in more serious events with their peers from other countries,” he said.
“This could give them the opportunity to prepare and be ready for continental and international events that we are usually invited to. These kind of events for kids are scarce in the country therefore we would like a big number of our kids to experience an international experience here at home.”
Masole said when they started, they had only two age categories that were registered for World Chess Federation (FIDE) ratings. He explained that is mainly to give players the opportunity to gain ratings that rank them in the FIDE’s rating system.
“With the growth of the tournament over the years, we have found our kids from all age categories gain ratings from FIDE. It is not surprising that today Botswana boasts of two eight year olds with FIDE Chess ratings,” Masole said.
He revealed they have taken the level of organising the chess tournament to a whole new level, with all equipment in the tournament readily availed for all players from beginning to end.
Masole said the games were broadcast live on the internet to increase followership while making sure chess enthusiasts could follow from the comfort of their homes.
Other categories in the championships for both boys and girls included Under 12, 14, 16 and 18.
Results: Under six boys winner: Kanye Jayden Bosa (4/5 points, gold medal and trophy), Gaitsiwe Mirac Rona (3/5 points, silver medal), and Koga Makgabana (3/5 points, bronze medal).
Under six girls: Dhliwayo Mandisa Shalom (5/5 points, gold medal and trophy), Neelang Porogo (silver medal) and Zhakem Bianca (bronze medal).
Under eight boys: Kaboyaone Kael Vanya (7/7 points, gold medal and trophy), Makhurane Tsireletso Shane (Zimbabwe. 6/7 points. Silver medal) and Morena Mokafane (5/7, bronze medal).
Under eight girls: Perumalsamy Dhaanya (7/7 points, gold medal and trophy), Kashvi Rajendrakumar (5.5/7 points, silver medal) and Arona Abale Seakgosing (5/7 points, bronze medal).
Under 10 boys: Lefika Makgato (7/7 points, gold medal and trophy), Bayani Paul Pelontle (6/7 points, silver medal), Anashe Mukwame (5/7 points, bronze medal).
Under girls: Tema Sabokone (6.5/7 points, gold medal and trophy), Ame Atang Fidzani (5.5/7 points, silver medal) and Adriana Kesiilwe (5/7 points, bronze medal).