Masaiti is in a team led by Ukrainian Grandmaster (GM), Andrii Baryshpolets, with the elections scheduled for August 7 during the FIDE Congress. Baryshpolets will face incumbent FIDE president, Russian Arkady Dvorkovich during the congress, which will be held during the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. Masaiti said the improvement of African chess requires being candid enough to reflect in the mirror and honestly bring to the fore critical issues that are affecting African chess and the world over. “Without being afraid or shying away, our leaders who are tasked with voting responsibilities need to know that the vote they are carrying can lift the standards of an African child and other children at the bottom of the pyramid. It is through the vote that Africa can change its current gloomy position,” he said.
Masaiti said there is a need to conduct a 360° scan to identify critical issues that require immediate interventions. “We need honest analysis and clear strategic plans that can lift chess not only in Africa but also the world over,” he said. Masaiti said unfortunately the current leadership led by Dvorkovich has done little to improve chess, especially in Africa. “Yes, we thank them for making chess popular, promoting online chess, which is mostly helping communication companies to rake in millions of dollars,” he said.
