15 Aug 2016

Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) international organiser, Kelathilwe Kelapile says it is important for coaches to have interest in developing themselves to be better so they can be able to inspire the players.

Speaking at a workshop on August 10, he said an example of a good coach was the one who could encourage players to not give up even when they had lost a queen piece before the end of the game.

Kelapile encouraged the coaches to believe in themselves and aim to leave a mark wherever they go as it would also help inspire players and help them grow.

He said they should always work hard, read and strive to grow, most importantly, know the constitution and understand it well in order to know what was expected of them and the players.

Also, he encouraged them to have necessary chess qualifications that could take them far, not only in the sport but in other professions or opportunities they might wish to follow in future.

Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE) Master, Ignatius Njdovu said it was important for coaches to undergo trainings so they could go and apply what they had learnt to the young players.

He said when coaches were well equipped with knowledge and were motivated enough, they could make a tremendous change to the mindset of people and players positively.

Njobvu said being a good coach does not require one to be a good player, adding he himself grew up being a good player but not a good coach.

He emphasised that good coaches were judged through producing good players, so it was important that coaches were aware of what was expected and what they could do to produce quality players.

Njobvu said the Re Ba Bona Ha coaches drill young persons at primary, junior, senior schools who could get inspired or be discouraged easily, hence it requires proper language, inspiration and dedication to the sport.

He said the sport was growing, therefore coaches must be in a state that could enable them to try and produce the first grandmaster, which would require hard work, good skills and patience on players as well as coaches.

The training included among others, chess laws, standards, and organisational structures of FIDE, planning and organising of chess tournaments. ENDS