BCF selects teams for Olympiad

Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday March 19, 2014 12:15

 

BCF spokesperson, Keenese Katisenge told Mmegi Sport that the federation and clubs have agreed to select the 2014 teams from the three top rated active players in both men and women categories, good performers in the 2013 FIDE tournaments (local and continental) and a talented youngster who was consistent last year.

Katisenge said the teams (men and women) consists of eight players each who will be cut to five by June after a series of local training camps and tournaments.

Players who have been selected for the men’s team are; FIDE Master, Ignatius Njobvu; International Master, Providence Oatlhotse; Candidate Master, Barileng Gaealafswe; Candidate Master, Thato Olebile; FIDE Master, Phemelo Khetho; Candidate Master, Moakofi Notha; Candidate Master, Thabo Gumpo; and Goabaone Tangane.

The women’s team has Woman Grand Master, Tuduetso Sabure; Woman International Master, Boikhutso Mudongo; Woman FIDE Master, Kgalalelo Botlhole; Woman FIDE Master, Thapelo Francis; Woman Candidate Master, Onkemetse Francis; Woman International Master, Tshepiso Lopang and Malebogo Sokisi.

Katisenge said the winners of the 2014 Metropolitan National Championships will also make it to the provisional national teams. She said that the men’s team started its preparations over the weekend with a match against Botswana select team that comprised of former players and upcoming talent.

She stated that BCF is negotiating with the World Chess Federation and some European countries for a coach to drill Botswana players before the regional competition. In 2012, BCF got a coach from Russia.