12 May 2025

The acting Chief Executive Officer of Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), Makuke Makuke has urged Metropolitan Botswana to reconsider its decision to end a two-decade sponsorship of the sporting code. 

Speaking at the award ceremony of the Metropolitan Chess Championship finals in Gaborone on Sunday, Makuke said the company’s P160 000 sponsorship for the 2025 event had raised concerns as it signaled the conclusion of a nearly 20-year relationship with chess in Botswana.

“I am here to plead with Metropolitan to stay with you for the next 20 years,”  he said, expressing gratitude towards the company for its significant role in the development and growth of sports.

He said  government grant was not enough as it was shared and share among the different sporting codes,

“I implore you to give more support to sport. As the BNSC, we will do all in our power to ensure that, as a company supporting sport, you get value for your money by producing positive results. Kindly reconsider your decision, grow chess, and make it big. It is a premium sporting code and can make your company shine,” he said.

In an acknowledgment of the championship winners’ dedication, Makuke highlighted chess’s ability to foster well-rounded individuals who could strategise not only in their games but also in contributing to the country’s economy.

Thatayotlhe Molatole, Finance Manager at Metropolitan Botswana, noted the positive legacy established over the past 20 years, emphasising the importance of celebrating the achievements made through the partnership. 

“It is important to focus more on the positives that have been achieved over the years. Together we can,” he said, reinforcing the belief that the partnership has effectively grown chess in Botswana.

Celebrating the event on Mother’s Day, Molatole also recognised the contributions of mothers in encouraging their children to engage with chess. 

“It has been a long and beneficial relationship, where individual players used the annual championship to grow,” he stated.

International Master (IM) Providence Oatlhotse, the 2025 Metropolitan Chess Champion, expressed disbelief at the impending conclusion of the sponsorship. Winning his eighth title, Oatlhotse said:  “I had wanted to continue taking part in the championship and do the double digit of wins with Metropolitan by our side.”

He acknowledged the pressure from younger competitors, stating, ‘I felt the pressure from the young players.’

In the championship, Gaasitse Sebetlela claimed second place while Gofaone Kobe earned a bronze medal. Women Candidate Master (WCM) Laone Moshoboro, the women’s champion, thanked Metropolitan for its support, which has enabled the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) to consistently host annual tournaments. 

She urged for additional financial backing to expand the number of tournaments, emphasising the  t support from her parents in her journey to victory. Maya Otimile (WCM) and Amolemo Mosweu (WCM) took second and third positions, respectively. ENDS