Sitale shuns Lopang in chess election

Lopang was contesting for the Africa Chess Federation (ACC) vice presidency in elections held on the sidelines of the ongoing Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia on Wednesday. Sitale stepped down from contesting for the position of ACC president and instead backed Essis.  The Sitale camp lost as Lewis Ncube of Zambia retained his position as ACC president. He won 23-12 against Essis. Even without the support of Sitale, Lopang was elected ACC vice president, contesting in Ncube’s camp.

BCF public relations officer, Kutlwano Tatolo said they were surprised by Sitale’s decision. “It came as a shock to us as we expected him to endorse his fellow country woman. However, Lopang’s team and support from all the 45 African states proved to be sufficient,” she said.