Masaiti, the brains behind Besa's rise
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday October 23, 2020 13:49
Mmegi Sport: What does your appointment as tournament director to run Zone 4.5 Online Chess competition mean?
Charles Masaiti: I was not informed; it was just a surprise call. I first heard this from one of the zonal members from Zambia, then I also heard from the BCF president (Mothokomedi) Thabano. I feel highly honoured. I am indebted to Batswana, and BCF for without being given opportunities, I could not develop capabilities and skills that now make me visible internationally.
Mmegi Sport: Are you ready for the challenge?
Masaiti: I never expected to be given such demanding and sensitive responsibilities, but I am confident that with the support I can overcome the pressure and deliver to the expectation of many stakeholders.
This appointment allows me to showcase my abilities, to meet many leaders and other people from other countries. It will contribute to my mission to develop chess for boys and girls and to contribute in our society to assist many vulnerable groups.
Mmegi Sport: What does this position entails?
Masaiti: My position is sanctioned by Southern African member states. It involves representing the Zonal president Joe Mahomela who is based in South Africa and ensuring I use all my capabilities to ensure the tournament runs as per plans.
It is virtual and this entails using technology to coordinate other team members located in other countries. Our Chief Arbiter is based in Zimbabwe, our Technical Online in Zambia and our PR guy in Malawi. I must coordinate their efforts to maintain teamwork. So far, so good.
Mmegi Sport: Seeing how you have assisted your children, especially Besa, one might be eager to know your history in chess. Would you please share with us?
Masaiti: To be honest, I have never played chess at a professional level, but I had an opportunity to play the game casually in a home and family set up, while I was young in Zambia. I remember we would play chess from six to six without tiring. At that young age, I also formed a chess club at my secondary school. I had loved chess, but I could not develop the game largely due to the lack of accommodating opportunities and reliable mentors.
Mmegi Sport: What inspired you to make your children join chess, and what steps did you follow to make it happen for them?
Masaiti: My early childhood love for chess compelled me to introduce the same to my children. At first, I wanted them to choose a sport of their choice. My son (Gideon Masaiti) chose soccer and loved it. But each time he played soccer he came home very exhausted and could hardly do his homework. I decided to replace the former with chess, so that he could play and at the same time reserve enough energy to do school work. Besa did not like chess, and I had to convince her.
Through them, I introduced chess at Ikhutseng, Ledumang and Kediretswe primary schools and at Ledumang Junior Secondary School.
I introduced chess to create environments where they could play because many schools were not promoting chess. I had to take it upon myself, and in the process, I have inspired many children.
Wherever they went, I taught chess and introduced tournaments to motivate them and allow them to compete. Making them develop top-notch skills has not been easy. It has been very costly and at times competed with our way of life, as it required more resources and time.
I paid coaches, bought equipment, and took them to tournaments in and outside the country.
Raising finances to support their international fixtures has been extremely difficult and remains a challenge. Sometimes sponsors are not ready to release finances because of various reasons.
Mmegi Sport: Where have you travelled for chess with your children?
Masaiti: We travelled throughout Botswana, Southern African countries and internationally. The memorable trip being 2017 in Romania, when Besa attended her first world schools tournament. The encounter changed her perspective on life. It broadened her vision and enhanced her love for chess. From there she was never the same.
Mmegi Sport: What is your highlight in chess?
Masaiti: Initiating a chess club in Palapye that assists many players to compete in and earn ratings and experience. Also recruiting companies like Morupule Coal Mine, CCC, Peter Richards International, Greywood Falls, BIUST, Bank Gaborone and others to invest in chess through sponsorships. This noble exercise has created opportunities for many chess players, young and old, and I look forward to growing the base of sponsors.
Mmegi Sport: What positions have you held in BCF?
Masaiti: I have never held any position in BCF, but I have had opportunities to work with both the previous leadership of (Tshenolo) Maruatona and that of Thabano who has given me great opportunities by allowing me to volunteer in several situations.
And through these situations, I have successfully completed my examinations to become an International Organiser (IO). I can now say I am a FIDE recognised IO, meaning I can manage tournaments anywhere in the world.
Mmegi Sport: Lastly who has been your inspiration?
Masaiti: I draw my inspirations from successful people with similar demands as mine.
For example, I was motivating my children looking at the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) who were groomed by their father. Locally, Thabano, Keenese Katisenge, Maruatona, Vincent Masole, my friends Moremi Motshegwa at Mascom, Chiwala Maipambe at Peter Richards International, Kobamelo Hill at Greywoods, and Joseph Mafa at CCC have been helpful.
I acknowledge Sikhanyisiwe Gideon, the mother of my children for tireless efforts behind the scenes supporting and fostering them, and above all, I seek refuge in my God whom I always pray to and ask for guidance.