Chess consultative meeting postponed

The much anticipated Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) consultative meeting set for the weekend has been postponed. The meeting was planned by the BCF executive committee, which faced a motion of no confidence a fortnight ago.

The BCF spokesperson, Goitsemodimo Makgatle told SportMonitor that the consultative meeting is part of the calendar of events, but they could not proceed with it due to the unstable condition the Federation finds itself in.

“The chess community is informed that the BCF and clubs consultative meeting that was scheduled for February 3, as per our annual calendar of events will not continue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control.

A suitable date will be communicated in due course. The federation will continue to keep members updated of any developments,” reads the letter that Makgatle wrote to the affiliates.

She also said despite the postponement, other events are ongoing. One major event that was held last weekend was the first round of the national team selection.

When asked if the decision to postpone the meeting had anything to do with the motion of no confidence against her committee, Makgatle said that was possible. But she also explained that they are still waiting for advice from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC).

“A letter was written to BNSC so we are waiting for them to respond, to tell us what should be done to move forward,” she said.

A motion of no confidence was passed against the BCF executive committee by clubs during a Special General Meeting. Some of the reasons that clubs pointed out for removing the committee include the national team selection criteria, failure to hold an AGM in 2022, failure to secure sponsorship. Rather they lost sponsors and that other committee members resigned while yet some were fired. Clubs also complained that the executive committee had bought flights tickets for players who were coming to Botswana to play a private tournament.

During the SGM, clubs resolved that the executive committee should not represent BCF in any capacity. The interim committee which was appointed on the day, was given mandate to engage with the BNSC, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and other stakeholders to facilitate handover with the outgoing committee.

In their response, the executive committee indicated that the SGM was unconstitutional. The committee said they are investigating the matter at the same time they are treating the matter with the seriousness and the urgency it deserves.