LOPANG TAKES THE LEAD
What was the criteria used to nominate you for the elections?
I had to submit 5 endorsements from 5 different countries. I was endorsed by 24 countries. The list of the countries were Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Algeria, Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Somalia, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Swaziland, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Senegal, Burundi, Angola, Sao Tome, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo and three anonymous countries.
How was the campaign?
I did not know campaigns were this dirty. I gave everything unto God and he did the rest. I had an amazing team behind my campaign: Susan Namangale from Malawi, my dear Drissa from Mali, Attazi - Central African Republic, the big Omer - Sudan, sweet Nadia - Senegal, Sidi - Mauritania, Wilfried - Burundi, captain Tito - Angola, Amigo Carapinha - Cape Verde, the engineer himself. It was challenging and we soldered on; only time I learnt that I had zero qualifications and Botswana is not a recognised country in sport.
What does your role entail as president?
According to the statutes, I represent ACC officially, preside over the continental assembly and the continental board meetings and execute their decisions. ACC has no strategic plan currently and our team will ensure that we have a values-based plan. We are going to create vision and determine what resources are needed in order to move Africa Chess to another level. Together for Africa.
How is this new role going to benefit the African continent and Botswana?
Africa will be well represented at council level. I will ensure that we don’t miss any opportunities in the sporting fraternity. The current International Chess Federation President has been doing great in ensuring that Africa benefits on development fund. I am looking for independent Africa in future; the administrator will be empowered, not only presidents, but secretaries and treasurers as well.
What are some of your greatest achievements as an athlete and an arbiter?
Becoming an all-in-one Nigerian movie CD in Chess (Woman International Master, International Arbiter, FIDE Instructor, and International Chess Organiser). Winning bronze medals in the 2003 and 2007 All African Games and winning the African Women Arbiter of the Year 2022 is a great achievement.
What were some of your lowlights?
No low lights. It has been an exciting journey. I excelled as a player, as an arbiter and now I am an administrator.
Chess today and during your times, has anything changed in terms of play and administration?
During our days, we played what is called gravel. (laughs) There was no chess theory, no coaches and no laptops to the chess Olympiad. I remember bringing a medal from the All-africa Games without a coach. The conditions improved, we saw chess leaders engaging coaches from Yugoslavia and Russia and our game improved. There was support from the government and I think it was triggered by out sterling performance in the international events. The standard went down immediately after the Covid pandemic and I hope chess will be back to where it was.
What do you think can be done to grow chess and make it a popular sport?
My dream is for every family to have a chess set and know the basic moves. You cannot be a chess spectator if you do not know the basic moves. It has always been an uphill battle to promote our beloved sport. I personally feel reducing time control will push the promotion of chess. It is important to make chess attractive. I know time control reduction will not be supported by many, but it is impossible to televise a 6-hour chess game.
You also won an award as an Outstanding Chess Arbiter in the African continent, what does winning this award mean to you and how do you feel about it?
God is amazing and my God never sleeps. It is an honour and a privilege to be recognised among fellow peers, mentors, and colleagues in the chess arbitration field; amazing people looking to make an impact in the chess arbitration. It means women empowerment, impacting change, and representing African women in sports while serving the chess family, working together to elevate and enhance the common goal of women development in sports.
What was the criteria used to nominate you for the award?
All I know is there was a call for all national federations to submit profiles for their female athletes, coaches, referees, administrators and arbiters. I got a call from Carolina Munoz Solis from Costa Rica, South America, requesting for my profile. The next thing, I received an email informing that I had won the award.
My dream is for every family to have a chess set and know the basic moves
What advice can you give to those aspiring to be sports administrators and chess arbiters?
Volunteerism in chess made me who are I am today. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn. Having a passion for chess can extend far beyond a hobby but that does not mean becoming a professional chess player is the only way to turn your interest into a career. There are plenty of opportunities in the chess industry that combine an interest in playing chess with professional skills like leadership and management.
Who is your inspiration?
Hahaha! (laughs) Nun’s son from the tribe of Ephraim. The personally appointed successor to Moses and a charismatic warrior who led Israel in the conquest of Canaan after the Exodus from Egypt.
Thank God it’s Friday, what are your plans for the weekend?
Going to Jwana Game Park with Mma Dema and taking selfies with wild animals.