History beckons for chess
L Two women in the presidential race
History beckons for Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) as two women challenge for the presidency in a refreshing shift. The incumbent, Mothokomedi Thabano is not seeking re-election as chess holds elections on July 31, 2021. Mabedi Mbo and Kutlwano Tatolo are in the contest together with the only male presidential candidate, Mooketsi Segaise. Tatolo was proposed by Kings Chess Club and seconded by Black Bishops. Mbo was proposed by BDF and seconded by Delta Pawns, while Segaise was proposed by Chess Motifs and seconded by Mochudi.
Tatolo, the current public relations officer, told Mmegi Sport that she was motivated to contest because she feels some of the projects that the outgoing executive committee had started need continuity by somebody who was already inside. “They do not need someone who would be starting them afresh. That would seem like certain things are not completed,” she said.
Tatolo said she has been involved in chess for more than 10 years and is accustomed to how the sport operates and how it relates to Botswana National Sport Commission, National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development. She said that would make her work easier when she takes over the reigns.
“I have noticed some of the challenges that were there and I have experienced them. These elections come when we are hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and have lost sponsorship. Our subversion from BNSC has also been cut,” she said.
Tatolo said she already has established relationships with companies that have been working with BCF.
Tatolo said she is the fresh face that BCF needs because she has never held the position and she brings in a different profile.
“There was a time when Keenese
Katisenge-Tizhani had a chance to be BCF president after being a PRO because she felt her previous position exposed her to a network of different people more than others in chess. That was impossible because she had reached the maximum number of terms in the committee,” she said.
Tatolo noted that she was not going to play the gender card, but it is a fact BCF has never had a female president, an attorney president or somebody from PRO becoming a president.
“Chess has always enjoyed a lot of coverage but we never used that to bring in more sponsors. That will be a fresh thing,” Tatolo said.
For her part, Mbo said as a former national team player, she is aware of the challenges facing the game.
“I have strategies to develop chess from grassroots (primary level) to senior level. And I believe I can take chess to another level. Also as a mathematics educator by profession, it afforded me with leadership skills to lead BCF,” Mbo said.
She explained that she has good character where she could maintain good relations with sponsors, media, stakeholders and the chess community.
The only male in the presidential race, Segaise said from1994 until 1998, he was an active chess player, but took a step back to concentrate on his studies.
“I then came back to realise that the standards had subsided a bit particularly on the basis and elementary stuff, such as lack ofplaying equipment and sponsorships,” he said.
Segaise said that motivated him to come in and create partnerships and sponsorships with private entities so that they could upgrade thestandards in so far as equipment and professionalism at chess competitions remain high.
“I also want to enhance efficient chess development and securing sponsorships for our young ones to study abroad at chess centric institutions is also critical,” Segaise said.
The vice president-administration position has attracted Chazha
Bontsi, Goitsemodimo Makgatle and Jeremiah Dikgang.
Thabo Gumpo, Moses Khutsafalo and Ranku Kesiilwe will battle it out for the position of vice president-technical. Mokwaledi Tingwane is unopposed for the position of secretary-general. Kgalalelo Botlhole and Masego Motlotle face off for the treasurer position.
David Serokana and Dave Motshabi are the candidates for the public relations officer post while for technical and ratings, Lesego Selemogwe, Thompson Modisane and Senate Lekomola have raised their hands. For the position of development director, Morogorosi Otlaadisa, Bling Mbaiwa, Onty Sabure, Pudungwane Lesole and Puso Mabetu, have thrown their hats in the ring.