BetXplosion rescues chess
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday July 6, 2026 06:00
The championship will be held in Gaborone across three rounds, bringing players from across the country in both the Open Section and the Ladies Section. The partnership marks BetXplosion’s major sponsorship since its launch in 2025. BCF president, Kutlwano Tatolo, told MmegiSport that it was difficult to secure sponsorship following the departure of the previous sponsor.
“It was our tradition to host the national championship over Easter holidays; that did not happen this year because we did not have a sponsor,” she explained.
“The chess fraternity was wondering if we will have the national championship this year or not. The prize money from BetXplosion is higher than what we had with the previous sponsor.” Tatolo added the new sponsor comes on board on a positive note, especially during a time when it is difficult to get private sector support. She said the national championship is for Batswana players as the competition is used to select the national team. Meanwhile, the African Individual Chess Championships held in Jwaneng recently saw Grand Master (GM) Bilel Bellahcene of Algeria defend his title.
Second position went to GM Bassem Amin of Egypt whilst FIDE Master (FM) Banele Mhango of South Africa settled for third position.
Woman Grand Master (WGM) Wafa Shahenda of Egypt emerged as the champion in the Women’s Section. Another Egyptian, WGM Wafa Shrook, scooped second position, with third spot going to Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Mongeli Sasha of Kenya. In a shocking move, Candidate Master Thuto Mpene delivered a statement performance, scoring a remarkable brace against the podium finishers of the 2026 African Individual Chess Championship. Mpene defeated GM Bellahcene and bronze medallist FM Mhango. Tatolo said the African Individual Chess Championships went according to plan in terms of organisation and the team performance. “Organisation was good; the Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by Kgalalelo Botlhole (BCF secretary-general), proved that they are capable of an event of that magnitude,” Tatolo said.
“We even got accolades; even players were excited about their living conditions, and playing conditions were the best they have ever experienced during the African Individual Chess Championships.” She revealed that 12 players represented Botswana, the highest number the country has ever sent to the competition. Tatolo noted that at the beginning of the round, International Master (IM) Providence Oatlhotse was ranked number 19 in the whole tournament and finished at number 16. Tatolo said Gaasite Sebetlela, seeded 36th, opened his tournament with a victory over sixth seed IM Chitumbo Mwali of Zambia in round one. She said despite not getting a podium finish, local players' rankings improved.