Chess dream team off to Olympiad

The Botswana chess dream team that will represent the country at the 2016 World (Chess) Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan is the best the country can possibly mount.

Speaking at a sending off ceremony in Tlokweng on Monday, Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) president Tshenolo Maruatona said the formidable team assembled by the Botswana Chess Federation (BCA) went through rigorous selection to ensure they are ready for the task ahead.

The team was expected to leave for Baku yesterday (Tuesday). Addressing players and other stakeholders, Maruatona said the Olympiad was the highest platform for any chess player with over 180 teams from all over the world competing. “Only a few outstanding individuals can manage to make it through to the competition,” he said.

Maruatona reminded the team of the tough battle ahead of them at the Olympiad, adding that the international showpiece is made up of world grandmasters. “Africa has only two Grandmasters so far and the competition is not as easy as some might think.” However, Maruatona urged the team not to be passive victims of circumstance at the competition, but to be vigorous and aggressive towards their opponents.

“The dignity of our country lies on your shoulders. Lift up our national flag with pride and project qualities that will represent us well on the board”. The President noted that chess players should take pride in the game, for it is a sporting code that produces reputable academic personnel. “We are not just any other code and this is something we always mention to our sponsors.”

Maruatona said the BCA is proud of delivering the board game that engages the strategic and critical thinking of players, adding that people should note that the more the mind is trained, the sharper it becomes. Even though the team has not attained the desired optimal preparation, Maruatona expressed absolute confidence in the team, which is a blend of well-experienced and pristine players.

The female team consists of star players like Onkemetse Francis, Thapelo Francis, Mob Mabedi and Boikhutso Modongo. Representing the male team is Ndawana Mosenya, Moakofi Notha, Keletshabile Monnatsheko, Thuso Mosutha and the youngest player Otsile Mapini. Maruatona explained that funding was one major setback that the team encountered. However, Bathopele Construction Company came to their rescue and sponsored the team to the tune of P75,000 in early August.

“Our company is all about giving back to the community and if resources are permitting we are hopeful that next year we will inject more to the cause,” said Sarona Odirile, a manager at Bathopele.

For her part, BCA spokesperson, Keenese Katisenge, said the team is aiming for category medal in each section at the Olympiad, improve Botswana’s rankings and also acquire new titles.She said the games would commence on the 2nd of September. The team will be expected back home on the 15th September.