Second chess Masters tourney for December

Chilisa Mboki has pledged to sponsor Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) to the tune of P25 000 to host the Masters Open Chess Tournament on December 3rd.

Mboki made the pledge at the closing ceremony of the Masters Chess Open Championships in Gaborone over the weekend. Mboki is a practising Attorney at Collins Chilisa Consultants and began playing Chess at the age of ten but is currently a social chess player.

Chess is a game he enjoys most and he promised that he is committing himself to sponsoring the event annually. “BCF is one of the most organised organisations out there, I want to support them and bring together old players, it is a very nice come together, reminds us of the good old days,” Mboki said.
The weekend chess tournament was also sponsored by one senior chess player Dr Mafeni to the tune of P30 000. He also promised that if all goes well he intends to sponsor next year’s tournament as well.

Speaking at the event BCF spokesperson Keenese Katisenge applauded efforts made to help the federation retain experienced players and officials in order to continue tapping into their experience. The tournament helps older players enjoy the game of chess and also the aim is to utilise their wisdom and experience to further develop chess in the country.

First time participant of the event Walter Matekane, won the battle for supremacy with six points; he won five games and drew two, walking away with a whopping P4000, a medal and a trophy.

Fide Master Ignatius Njobvu came second to Matekane while Woman International Master Boikhutso Modongo was crowned the best lady performer of the event, winning herself P2000. The 35-year old Matekane said he had stayed away from the game for over 12 years. “I have been busy with my pastoral studies and I never found time to play,” he said delightfully.

He described the event as one of the best chess tournaments in the country, noting that there is plenty of talent lying around and it was through such events that it was brought to life again.  Matekane said his involvement in chess will also come as an inspiration to his children, who he wants them to grow playing the game.

He advised that BCF should consider scheduling the tournament in days and times that are convenient for majority of the older players and remain faithful to the time schedule. “Elders are very busy people with so many responsibilities, but if that is taken into consideration more will be motivated,” he advised.