22 May 2017

Chess players from different schools in Maun dominated the 2017 Tsodilo Classic Individual Chess Championship tournament as many scooped medals ranging from gold, silver and bronze respectively.

The tournament, which was running for the second year, attracted players across the country and the main objective was to nurture talent in chess at a grassroot level.

The tournament focuses on primary and junior schools and this time it catered for senior schools even though they did not turn up in large numbers. Only two schools showed up and the girls who were only two had to battle it out with their counterparts from junior schools.

However, in the senior boys category, Ganjo Kashite from Maun Senior Secondary School (MSSS) defended the Ngamiland territory as he was crowned the champion and walked away with a trophy, a gold medal and a certificate while the duo from Gaborone Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Trevor Phuphu and Eric Letsebe scooped position two and three and were awarded a silver and bronze medals respectively.

In the senior girls category, Mpho Ramaselwane became the champion and her counterpart from MSSS scooped second position. In junior girls section, position one and two went to Therisa Ngwao and Gorata Morake from Tsodilo School while Tshegofatso Morongwa from Tshwaragano still in Maun got position three.

Botswelelo Primary School players in Maun scooped position one, two and three in girls section while in boys, Gaasite Sebetla of Boseja school was crowned the champion seconded by Thuto Mpene from Letlhakeng primary in the Kweneng region and third position went to Botho Makhua from Pelotshwaana school in Francistown.

All the champions were awarded with trophies and gold medals while positions two and three went away with silver and bronze medals.

Speaking during the award ceremony, Tebogo Pitlagano said the tournament was getting better and better yearly and encouraged participants to take it seriously.

He said chess was a sport which one could make a living out of it and urged them to put more effort and be focused when they play.

He also noted that it was the intention of Botswana Chess Federation to spread its wings all over the country as the sport was growing fast hence the tournament in Maun.

He said for a long time players from Maun had been travelling to Gaborone to take part in tournaments, and stated that the Tsodilo tournament would bring chess closer.

To all players, Pitlagano said they should consider themselves champions even those who did not win, adding that their participation would help them to improve their performance.

The tournament organiser, Christopher Mogorosi said the tournament was meant to groom youngsters at an early stage so that they could win titles.

He said they wanted the players to be rated because the ratings showed their strengths. He urged players to show dedication in order to grow. He also urged players to have their own sets and practice more. ENDS