"Botswana players tend to freeze when they realise that their opponents have grandmaster (GM) titles. Some of the mistakes that have been committed are simply because our players give too much respect to their GM opponents. For example, in one of Tshepiso Lopang's games, she could have won against her GM opponent. When asked why she did not play the winning line, she could not give any convincing reasons," said a disappointed Miti. He, however, said that the support that the team had received in its hour of need was unbelievable. "Some of the GMs who are here have been helping our players to prepare for the games and for that we are grateful. We hope to pick up some points in the remaining games."
At the time of going to press Botswana had played five games, all of which they lost by 4-0 margins. The latest defeat came at the hands of fellow strugglers Czech Republic, who until the Botswana game, were perched at the bottom with no points. The performance of the Botswana women continues to draw comments from the chess community. National team player Tebogo Pitlagano said the decision to send the team to the games was ill considered. "It could have been better to organise training matches with the men's team, that way they could have played matches where they had chances of winning some of the games. There are times when we have to face the truth. The level at which they are playing, they had no chance even before the games started," said Pitlagano. He added that it was unprofitable "undergoing a practice match if you are going to be traumatised" by its outcome. "Having gone through that experience, our players will need counselling so that they do not take this burden with them to Algeria (for the All Africa Games)."
