Chess star, Besa battles COVID-19 checkmate
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday May 8, 2020 13:13
A dark cloud has descended and bright young talents like Besa Masaiti, a rising chess star, are keeping their fingers crossed that the coast clears sooner.
The raging effect of COVID-19 across the globe threatens to checkmate some careers. Masaiti was fresh from acing her Form 5 examinations after taking a breather from the chess board last year. She had targeted furthering her education and chess career abroad.
After the virus swept across the globe and brought mighty economies and poor nations alike to their knees, the hopes of these youthful academics are left hanging by a thread. The young Masaiti was amongst the top achievers when the results of the past Botswana General Certificate in Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations were announced earlier this year. Advancing her academics and chess game overseas had remained top of her dreams.
In the game, the 17-year-old had established herself amongst the most outstanding women in the country. She retains a record as the youngest player to represent the nation at the Olympiad. The woman FIDE master attended the highest chess spectacle in Batumi, Georgia, in the US and became the best scorer in a team made out of battle-hardened senior players.
At 14-years-old, she was named the junior sportswoman of the year at the Botswana National Sport Commission awards. Last year the starlet took a break from chess to focus on academics. She reaped the rewards attaining 48 points with four A* in Chemistry, Physics, Commerce and French, three As in Biology, Mathematics and History, and two Bs in Setswana and English. With her academic exploits, Masaiti set her eyes on pursuing a biomedical course. She had sent numerous applications to the world’s leading universities, but the pandemic has left her squirming over her offshore dreams. However, she remains eager to advance her studies. “Hopes of studying abroad have been dashed due to the current fear of the ravaging virus. However, despite the prevalent atmosphere of fear and anxiety, I can’t wait to attend university,” she said. She decried losing an opportunity to feature in prominent local and international chess tournaments, following her return after the final year of her senior secondary school studies. Postponing of various events including the August Olympiad that was billed for Moscow was due to increasing concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic. “A bummer, but on the bright side, sportspersons like myself have ample time to prepare,” she said. She added that engaging in online chess tournaments had been an intriguing experience. The world of chess has fallen into the online platform where tournaments both national and international are held. Masaiti believes there could be a silver lining amidst the dark cloud engulfing the globe. She said when the pandemic subsides, she wishes to motivate students and engage in benevolent projects to support the community.
“I wish to give motivational talks to students and work with philanthropic organisations to give back to the community. It is time for life changing projects and for individuals to make a difference.”