04 Jul 2019

Ten-year-old Thuto Mpene will represent Africa in the World Schools Individual Chess Championship in Lima, Peru on May 10, 2020.

Thuto, who recently won a gold medal in the just ended Africa Schools Chess Championship held in Uganda, competed among the best players in Africa to qualify for the world prestigious chess tournament.

He competed in the under 11 category, where he played nine rounds and won all but one, which he drew with the highest rated player from Uganda, Tandeka Shiloh.

Speaking in an interview, Thuto’s father, Keemenao Keresiane said they were overly joyous at the outcome adding that they believed their son had what it takes to play against any opponent and emerge victorious.

Keresiane said the young boy had not disappointed as he was focused and remained calm in all his games.

He further said they were raising a star. He revealed that Thuto’s love for chess started from a young age adding that they had always given him the support to encourage him to do more.

Thuto, who will be arrving in Botswana tomorrow, said he was happy to have won the championship, even though it was not easy.

He thanked God, his coach, Opelo Maswabi and parents for being there for him and helping him win a gold medal.

Keresiane and Thuto’s mother, Kelebogile Mpene accompanied him to Uganda. Ends