19 May 2013

Tshenolo Maruatona is the new Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) president. He garnered 65 votes aganist Cinky Boikanyo's 10.

Another competitor, Reuben Makgatlo withdrew from the race just before the elections, which were held in Jwaneng over the weekend.

There was fierce contest in the positions of vice president-technical and general secretary. Ivon Makabe won the vice presidency with 42 votes against Kelapile Kelatlhilwe’s 31 and two votes were spoilt.

Alex Mpuisang won the general secretary position with 42 votes while his opponent, Samuel Motlhala got 30 and three votes were spoilt. The position was to be contested by three candidates but it was announced during the elections that the third candidate, Leslie Olesitse had withdawn.

Roger Tiroyamodimo, Gofaone Baleseng, Keenese Katisenge, Vincent Masole and Motlhokomedi Tlhabano assumed the positions of vice president-administration, treasurer, public relations director, technical and ratings director as well as development director respectively.

Speaking after the elections, the newly elected president Maruatona said the starting point for his committee was to develop chess from the grassroots level. This, he explained, would be attained by introducing chess at primary schools within the first two months of their tenure in office.

“The success of any sport cannot be divorced from grassroots development and therefore our commitment as the new committee is to introduce chess at primary schools and we will do that within the next two months,” he said.

Maruatona further noted that their intention was to leverage on the foundation laid by the outgoing committee, which he said would not be far-fetched since they would still draw guidance from the outgoing president, Tshepo Sitale. He said the former president would still be within reach since he was still the zonal president.

Additionally, the new president underscored the need to align the BCF strategy with the BNSC 2028 strategic plan, which called for the delivery of sport for all, for excellence and prosperity. ENDS