16 Sep 2014

Seepapitso and Mogoditshane senior secondary schools are this year’s Botho University teams chess Champions.

The Kanye-based boys’ quartet of Aobakwe Motudu, Innocent Gabanakgosi, Potlako Kgobe and Ame Motlhanke scooped the first prize ahead of Mater Spei, Mogoditshane and Kagiso senior secondary from Ramotswa.

Last year’s boys’ category winners, Francistown senior secondary could not make the trip to the finals due to logistical problems.

When quizzed on the sidelines of the finals Botswana Chess Federation development director, Mothokomedi Thabano said he was worried that some teams did not make it to the finals due to lack of funds for transport and other tournament logistics.

He noted that eventual winners Seepapitso boys team plunged into their own pockets to travel to Gaborone. He said other tournament hopefuls Swaneng boys’ team also did not make it citing similar reasons.

Swaneng Boys were impressive at the just ended Mater Spei Chess festival in Francistown and were expected to give Seepapitso a run for their money.

In the girl’s category, Mogoditshane Senior girls’ team scooped the sought-after prize which eluded them last year after winning the inaugural tournament in 2012.

Last year Nata senior were unstoppable in the girl’s category while FSS reigned supreme in the boy’s category. The team comprised of Banyana Ofitlhile, Reginah Mooketsi, Palesa Mooketsi and Tineyi Chaka.

Meanwhile the national junior chess team will travel to Durban on Wednesday September 17 for the much fancied World Youth Chess championships billed for the 19th-30th of this month.

The local brain whiz kids will be making their maiden appearance at the tournament which will be staged for the very first time in the African soil.

Botswana is sending a strong team of 12 players to try their strength against the world’s tried and tested chess players. The under 16 girls will rely on the brilliance of Mater Spei’s Nchidzi Motshudi and under-18 year, Chawana Casino of Nkange junior secondary school.

Bernard Chaka of Mogoditshane senior will be called to duty in the boys under 18 category Some of the European chess powerhouses include Russia, world Olympiad champions China and Azerbaijan amongst others. North African big wigs like Egypt and Algeria are also expected to grace the occasion. Ends