Chaka out to defend Masters Open title
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday October 31, 2014 12:43
Chaka told Mmegi Sport that he has been preparing well for the tournament and is ready to defend the title he won last year. Chaka plays for Poisonous Snakes Chess Club. He won last year’s tournament after accumulating 7.5 points out of a possible 9.
The one-day tournament is open to players who are 35 years and over, according to BCF spokesperson, Keenese Katisenge.
She said the tournament is an initiative to provide a platform for older players to continue enjoying the game. She said the other aim is to encourage older players to continue with the sport and give youngsters guidance. She explained that the tournament helps the federation to retain veteran players so as to tap into their experience and wisdom for the development of the sport.
“One of the conditions that was set for Chaka after winning the tournament was to adopt a school of his choice. He has chosen Metsimotlhabe Primary School and the federation assisted the school with study materials and we monitored the entire programme,” she said. She added that the 2014 edition of the championship would mark the graduation for all pupils who participated in the programme. The Masters Open is an extension of the commitment of BCF to grassroots development by awakening the interest of mentors and trainers. Katisenge said Turbo Refrigeration sponsors the tournament with P17,000.
She said the increase of the sponsorship amount, from an initial P5,000 in 2006 is an indication it is growing every year. “We took the event to another level in 2012 when we combined it with social community responsibility. Turbo Refrigeration and BCF donated chess equipment to a primary school in the Kweneng area,” she said.
Katisenge pointed out that the two parties have a role to play in society. She said playing the game of chess right from childhood improves thinking, analytical power and the decision-making ability of the child. She said for the game to grow, it has to start from the grassroots.