Mudongo makes 9th Olympiad appearance
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 7, 2020 12:24
The 2020 edition is being played online due to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mudongo would be leading a side that has other decorated players such as International Master (IM) Providence Oatlhotse, WIM, Onkemetse Francis and Woman Grand Master, Tuduetso Sabure.
The team also has an interesting young talent in reigning National Champion, Woman FIDE Master (WFM), Besa Masaiti, WFM Naledi Marape and WCM Refilwe Gabatshwarwe.
In the last Olympiad, Mudongo was forced to quit the competition after a close relative passed on, leaving the team in the hands of Francis. After the bereavement, Mudongo has been missing in action, only to bounce back this year.
Modongo told Mmegi Sport that she expects a different game all together because it is the first time Olympiad played under a virtual set-up.
“It is a challenge because we are doing this for the first time. One needs to be extra careful, especially with how we move pieces. Incomplete moves are likely to happen,” Mudongo said.
The Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) secretary general, Mokwaledi Tingwane said having a young player in the team such as Marape adds an exciting tilt.
Tingwane said Marape has shown consistency both on the local and international scene at a young age. “This Olympiad team was selected based on FIDE ratings and she is one of the six reserves. Under normal circumstances, there is a qualification process through the national championship, being highest rated and trials,” he said.
Naledi’s father, Marape Marape said they are excited about Naledi’s Olympiad debut. He said all the years of hard work were finally paying off.
“She would be playing against international players and it is the exposure that she needed. I hope she would make the team again for the next Olympiad. We also hope this is the beginning of bigger things for her,” he said.
Meanwhile, Botswana takes on Nigeria in the first match today. Team coach, Ivon Makabe said the team has been training hard although from different areas.
He said FIDE organised a friendly match for the team as a way of checking if all systems were in place.
Players from Greater Gaborone would be playing at Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) warm up area where laptops have been set up and internet provided by Nashua Botswana.
Other team members are FM Thato Olebile, CM Thato Elias, Monnaatsheko Keletshabile, Gomolemo Rongwane and Othato Selogelo.