Upsets as national Chess team battle continues
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday January 27, 2026 09:30
The team that will be selected will represent the country at the 46th Chess Olympiad 2026 that will be held from September 15 to 28 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Some of the players who dropped from the battle for the national team slot are 2025 FIDE Blitz chess champion, Candidate Master (CM) Moakofi Notha and Kuda Bayani.
The duo was in the team that represented Botswana at the last Olympiad. Another veteran player, Mosenya Ndawana, did not make it to the finals.
In the Women's Section, Boitshepo Rebatenne who was also in the previous Olympiad team failed to proceed to the finals. The tournament delivered surprises, with first timers stepping up and pulling off big upsets.
The likes of Thabang Magowe, Blessings Motshabi, and Arnold Mothudi stood out.
Rising star, CM Thuto Mpene who is also the junior chess champion, continued with his good run, making it look easy as he cruised through his rounds, led the pack as early as round three, booking his place in the finals with ease.
In the Women Section, first timer who will be playing in the finals is Kaone Motlhako.
Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) public relations director, Goitsemodimo Makgatle, told Sport Monitor that the results are an indication of the support that parents give their children.
Makgatle explained parents are fully engaged and pay for the players training. She said as a Federation, they are excited about the development of young players, and they will also continue giving them opportunities to grow their talent.
Open Section finalists: Arena FIDE Master (AFM) Motshabi, Sebetlela Gaasite, Mpene, CM Thuso Mosutha, Simon Bokamoso, Mothudi Mogotsi Arnold, Oratile Kgotlane and Magowe Thabang. Women Section: Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Amolemo Mosweu, Woman International Master (WIM) Onkemetse Francis, WCM Otimile Maya, WCM Laone Moshoboro, Boitumelo Radikoro, Ndachipiwa Kgomotso, Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Thapelo Francis and Motlhako Laone.