New Chess President Faces Sponsorship Headache
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday May 29, 2017 15:08
Thabano, from Enpassent Chess Club, received 39 votes beating the other three presidential hopefuls, Kefilwe Miti of Orapa Club (17), Kenneth Boikhutshwane of Poisonous Snakes Club (10) and Cinky Boikanyo from Dynamic Club (7).
Thabano admitted that he comes at a time when major sponsors such as National Development Bank (NDB) and Morongwa Security have pulled out and it is an important assignment for him to convince them to come back.
He said chess has been one of the best performing sporting codes in the country, having produced some of the finest players in the country.
“Our players need to play all the time and my intention is to start the league. We have players at different levels and that will assist in the development of chess.
We are going to work hard in getting more sponsorships due to the decline in the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) grant,” he said. Thabano said the base has been set for both young and senior players. He said results from international competitions have not been good especially for senior players.
He said the intention is to improve performance that will lead to players getting more titles. He pointed out that Botswana remains with one International Master and that has to change. Thabano said there are upcoming youngsters such as Besa Masamaite (FIDE Master) and Naledi Marape (Candidate Master) who have a bright future ahead.
Meanwhile, Roger Tiroyamodimo retained his position as vice president (administration) after overcoming Goitsemodimo Makgatle with 41 to 39 votes.
Mokwaledi Tingwane is the new secretary general after he beat Tshepiso Lopang. Former treasurer, Gofaone Baleseng withdrew at the last minute and Samuel Mothala was unopposed. The only woman in the committee is Kutlwano Tatolo who received the highest number votes, 55, beating Ranku Kesiilwe for the post of public relations director.
Lesego Selemogwe comes in as the technical and ratings director over Onkemetse Keabofe. The new development director is Michael Mbaiwa who beat International Master, Providence Oatlhotse and Kesiilwe.