“CHECKMATE” FIRST EDITION Issue 1

“CHECKMATE” FIRST EDITION

2013, Botswana Chess Review

In this Issue;

BY: KEENESE NEOYAME KATISENGE 1. Historic World Chess Federation’s Visit to Botswana 2. Field Performance

3. Administration & Developmental Programs BCF PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR 4. Social Responsibility, Marketing and Publicity / Sponsorships B

“Checkmate” is the first edition of BCF e-Newsletter. It will be released on a quarterly basis with a review of chess events for the past period. In Chess circles, “Checkmate” announces the end of the game the same way this newsletter reviews performance at the end of a specified period.

The aim of “Checkmate” is to maintain contact with all stakeholders, share information with interesting

chess highlights as well as increase awareness in a BNSC Chair Solly Reikeletseng,Mr Mogotsi from Debswana, cost-effective manner. Mr Bobby Gaseitsewe from BNSC and BCF Exo during The 2013 Re-ba bona-ha Youth Championships 2013, Botswana Chess Review

Under the leadership of the new president, Tshenolo Maruatona,, Botswana Chess continues to steadily Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture Hon. Shaw Kgathi and cement its place as one of the fastest growing the FIDE Delegation during their visit to Botswana in 2013 sporting codes in the country. BCF has held a

number of activities aimed at developing and growing

the sport in the country. “CHECKMATE” FIRST EDITION | Issue 1 2

2013 Review Cont.. The president of the federation, Mr Maruatona attended two key International Congresses, i.e Zonal Meeting held during The 2013 Commonwealth Championships that were held in South Africa in July and The 84th FIDE Congress held in Estonia, Tallin in 2013 Youth Championship Medalists October where, among others, the following issues were discussed;

-Chess in Schools & Chess for the disabled -Rating and title commissions -Women In Chess &Social commission for chess

On the bigger scheme of things, the African Metropolitan OpenSection National Champion FM Ignatious Njobvu Chess (ACU) meeting which was very relevant to us took up the following decisions; -A Review of statutes to align ACU to FIDE. The four African Zonal Presidents are now part of the BCF 2013 activities/ initiatives Botswana Open & Metropolitan Ladies National Champion WIM executive committee for Africa Chess Union.

Boikhutso Modongo

1. HISTORIC WORLD CHESS FEDERATION VISIT TO BOTSWANA

Botswana Chess Federation was honored to host a delegation from the World Chess Federation (FIDE) from the 20th July to 23rd July 2013 which was made up of FIDE Executive Director, Nigel Freeman, The Secretary of FIDE Development Commission, Rupert

BNSC Chair Mr Solly Reikeletseng, NDB Head of Branding, Jones and BCF former president Tshepo Sitale, who is also The African Zone 4.3 Chess President. FIDE Delegate Nigel Freeman with BCF President on during MARKETING& Communications & BCF Exco during NDB FIDE visit to Botswana Championships Launch The Purpose of the visit by the delegation was to

share the programs implemented by FIDE in Africa and how they could benefit Botswana.

The delegation held progressive meetings with the Honourable Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Rre Shaw Kgathi, The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Botswana National Sports

Council Secretariat and some of the BCF Sponsors Roscoe Bonna Champion CM Thabo Gumpo with Mr Bonna and BCF President

CMs B. Gaealafshwe and M. Notha during Metropolitan Championships

IM Providence Oatlhotse playing against CM Thato Olebile during the first edition of Botswana Blind Fold Challenge in Mogoditshane

WCM Onkemetse Francis, Airfficiency Year Opener Ladies

FM Ignatious Njobvu playing against Botswana’s youngstar Champion Goabaone Tangane during Zone 4.3 Championships

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2. FIELD PERFORMANCE LOCAL EVENTS, PERFOMANCE AND GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD The year 2013 was quite “chessy” or fruitful in that Kenneth Boikhutshwane playing against FM Ignatious Njobvu Botswana hosted more FIDE Rated local tournaments during 2013 Metropolitan Chess than any other. These tournaments offer players an opportunity to improve their international ratings as they attract strong chess players from other countries.

Poisonous Snakes Chess Club were the champions of the 2013 NDB Chess Championships

Botswana’s Only IM, Providence Oatlhotse

 SOME OF THE OPEN TOURNAMENTS

HOSTED BY THE FEDERATION IN 2013

1. AFFICIENCY YEAR OPPENER- MOGODITSHANE 2. 2013 METROPOLITAN NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS, FINALS- GABORONE 3. GABORONE OPEN- GABORONE 4. MAUN OPEN- MAUN Jona Chaka playing against IM Providence Oatlhotse during 5. 2013 FIDE RATED RAPID- MOGODITSHANE NDB Clubs Tournament 6. BOTSWANA INTERNATIONAL OPEN 7. YEAR END OPEN IM Oatlhotse giving a speech during Airfficiency Year Opener where he won Gold

Zone 4.3 Champion, Gillian Bwalya of Zambia

Gaborone International Open Ladies Champion WFM Maun Open and Year End Championships Ladies Winner Kgalalelo Botlhole WGM Tuduetso Sabure

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YOUTH TOURNAMENTS BNSC Chair Solly Reikeletseng, Mr Mogotsi from Debswana, Mr Bobby Gaseitsewe from BNSC and BCF Exo during The 2013 Re-ba bona-ha Youth Championships With support received from, Morongwa Security and Botho University, among our other esteemed sponsors, BCF held a series of youth tournaments in 2013, in Kanye, Palapye, Mahalapye , Francistown and Gaborone .

The tournaments consisted of two sections (boys and girls) and were open to all chess players from the ages of 6 to 21 from all the primary, junior and senior secondary schools. The tournaments were held in 2 stages of qualifiers and finals. These tournaments are very important as it is where the training needs of the young players are identified to guide their training programmes. Abhiram Sasitharen Won Bronze for Botswana at The 2013 The tournaments were as follows; Africa Youth Championships in South Africa

 Botswana National Schools Chess Championships  Morongwa Junior Individual  Morongwa Junior Teams  Morongwa Senior Individual  Botho Senior Teams  Mater Spei 5Oth Anniversary The federation also facilitated the election of The Schools Committee chaired by Mr Moses Masocha from Shashe River School. The mandate of the sub

committee is to assist in the day to day running of the schools chess program. WCM Lame Kolaatamo playing against Opelo Mojadibodu during Morongwa Schools Series

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BCF VP-Admin, Mr Roger Tiroyamodimo handing over a prize to Butale during The Youth Championships in Block 8

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REGIONAL PERFORMANCE

ZONE 4.3 CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS- TLOKWENG , BOTSWANA

 Botswana Chess Federation (BCF), through the assistance of Botswana National Sports Council and FIDE held Zone 4.3 Open and Women Individual Championships from 1st May to 8th May 2013 in Tlokweng (Oasis Motel), Botswana. The tournament was officially opened by BNSC Chairperson Mr Solly Reikeletseng Gillian Bwalya of Zambia, Zone 4.3 Open Section Winner and closed by FIDE Board Member and receiving his well-deserved deserved prize from Mr Buthali former BCF President Mr Dabilani Buthali. WFM Thapelo Francis was honored with the WFM Title by FIDE

Bots Open Section Reps IM Providence Oatlhotse FM Ignatius Njobvu CM Thato Olebile Goabaone Tangane (under 21) CM Thabo Gumpo

Bots Ladies Section Reps WGM Tuduetso Sabure Thato Olebile was honoured with a CM Title after an impressive WIM Boikhutso Modongo Kelvin Chumfwa of Zambia, Botswana Open Champion WIM Tshepiso Lopang performance. He also won silver for Botswana during Botswana WFM Thapelo Francis (under 21) Open and Gold in the Gaborone Open Tournament Results Botswana managed to scoop 2 medals through WIM Boikhumo Modongo (Silver) and WFM Thapelo Francis (Broze) on the ladies section as well as 2 titles that were approved by FIDE, CM Title for Thato Olebile and WFM Title for Thapelo Francis

CONTINENTAL PERFORMANCE

Africa Individual Chess Championships- Tunisia  Botswana Chess Federation sent 2013 Metropolitan National Chess Champions to Africa Individual Chess Championships that were held in Hammamet, Tunisia from 17-28 May 2013.  The 2013 Metropolitan National Champions were FM Ignatius Njobvu of the open section and WIM Boikhutso Modongo of the ladies section.  They were joined by Tshepiso Lopang , another WIM from Botswana who also represent in the Ladies section and were accompanied by BCF Ratings and Technical Director Mr Vincent Masole. Modongo and Lopang finished in the top 10, with Modongo coming 7th and Lopang 9th.

WIM Modongo, WIM Lopang and FM Njobvu represented Botswana at Africa Individual Champs

WORLD LEVEL PERFORMANCE - Common wealth Chess Championships

 The country had also sent men and ladies teams to the 2013 Ccommonwealth Chess Championships that were held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa from 5-14 July 2013 . CM Barile Gaelafshwe, Puso Mabetu and CM Moakofi Notha finished with 7 points out of the 11 rounds played.

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.DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMES

Players

2013 Coaching Clinic

 The federation has held a Coaching Clinic for 40 young chess players selected during The Series of Morongwa Schools Chess Tournaments ( where their training needs were identified and attended to). The 5 days coaching clinic which had started on 7 July 2013 ended on 13 July 2013 at Shashe River School in Tonota.

Young Chess Players during The 2013 BCF Youth Chess Championships

GRASS ROOTS DEVELOPMENT

BOPSSA And BCF Pilot Primary Schools Chess Tournament

Botswana Primary Schools Sports Association (BOPSSA) in conjunction with Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) held the first primary schools chess tournament at Lobatse Sports Complex in Lobatse. It attracted 50 students from 10 regions across the country.

Re Ba Bona-Ha Programme

 The Federation has taken over the programme as per guidance from BNSC and made a commitment to develop talent through the programme, by coaching, mentoring as well as introducing Primary school going kids to competitive play.  The first event for 2013 was a Chess Exposition at the Rebabonaha centre on 24 June 2013. This event saw a historic simultaneous display by Botswana’s highest rated woman player International Master Boikhutso Modongo. The event was yet another expression of the federation's commitment to grass roots development.

 Botswana Chess Federation also had the honor of hosting the Re ba bona-ha National Youth Chess Championships (Under 8years-Under 18years) on 10th -11th August 2013 in Gaborone at Gaborone International School. The event was graced by the representatives from the Botswana National Sports Council and Debswana Mining Company. Later on, the young players were introduced into other 2013 open tournaments.

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ADMINISTRATION/ OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT

The federation held a number of developmental initiatives through the support of FIDE and BNSC for capacity building of trainers/ coaches, arbiters/ referees, and administrators

 BCF has increased the number of FIDE accredited Arbiters (Umpires) from 12 to 30 officials including some at the National Arbiters rank.  The federation selected and mandated a leagues committee to help in running and management of clubs activities in the country. The committee is currently chaired by Ndawana Mosenya from Poisonous Snakes Chess Club.

TRAINERS/ COACHES DEVELOPMENT

 FIDE TRAINERS SEMINAR, 3-8 May 2013 Oasis Motel, Tlokweng Botswana Chess Federation hosted FIDE Trainers Seminar from 3-8th May 2013. The event ran along the Zonal Chess Championships.

 23 chess coaches from Botswana, South Africa and Namibia were trained and awarded chess training instructor qualifications by Grandmaster Dejan Bojkov from Bulgaria. Cinky Boikanyo from Botswana was awarded the highest training title of FIDE Trainer. 30 coaches from around the country were also trained and awarded level 1 National Arbiter qualification by International Arbiter, Gunther van den Bergh from South Africa.

Coaches during The National Arbiters Training Seminar

Coaches, Arbiters/ Referees Local and International Representation

Arbiters/ Referees

 Kelapile Kelatlhilwe -Was Chief Arbiter during Zone 4.3 Chess championships that were held in Botswana in May 2013.  He was Chief Arbiter during Gaborone Open in July 2013 in Botswana  He also officiated at The Commonwealth Chess Championships that were held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa 2013.

Former BCF President and Current African Zone 4.3 Chess President, Mr Tshepo Sitale was honored with the Administrator of The Year Award during the 32nd BNSC Awards. Mr. Sitale was commended for successfully leading the Federation to great heights in 2012. In the year, the Federation celebrated 30 years of existence with the slogan ’30 years of making smart moves’.

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MARKETING & PUBLICITY  Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) continues to utilize its website for events updates and downloads.  With the introduction of “Checkmate”, the newsletter, BCF hopes to spread communication to a wider range of stakeholders.  The federation also appreciates the role that social networks play in communication flow and has therefore opened a Facebook group page.  BCF has been able to retain and attract new sponsors.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 In 2012 Botswana Chess Federation identified a needy family in Letlhakeng village in Kweneng District and bought food, clothes and furniture worth P10,000, the Federation continues to visit the family. In January 2013, Botswana Chess Club Managers visited the family and bought Christmas and New Year gifts and food for them.

CHECKMATE ARTICLES COLUMN UNCLE CHAX’S CORNER Godt Nyttår! Those whose resolve is representing this country in Norway are likely to what the preceding phrase means! Happy New Year! This column will forge to chronicle the intriguing story of chess from the formative years of BCF up to now. Besides interviewing past and present chess enthusiasts, we will hunt down all former chess players and administrators who will have to tell us how they used to do it and why they have forsaken the beautiful game. Your suggestions will make this column very exciting! Please post them to [email protected] Indeed this is a hectic year and hopefully a fruitful one! Let’s meet at the Year Opener tournament! Ke tsaya gore go tla a bo go nkgesanwa magwafa ele ruri! Re tla a bona baba ikaeletseng go ya 2014 Chess Olympiad! Ka boikokobetso, weno Chazha Bontsi.

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BCF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE “CHECKMATE” FIRST EDITION 2013-2017 President – Tshenolo Maruatona

VP-Administration- Roger Tiroyamodimo

VP- Technical- Major Ivon Makabe Kindly send your questions, comments or suggestions for improvement to : General Secretary- Alex B. Mpuisang Treasurer – Gofaone Baleseng Botswana Chess Federation Public Relations Director –Keenese Neoyame Katisenge

P.O Box 41090 Ratings and Technical Director- Vincent Masole Gaborone, Botswana Development Director- Mothokomedi Thabano

or

[email protected] BCF VISION

“TO BE BOTSWANA’S BEST PERFORMING SPORT LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY” +267 74176206 MISSION STATEMENT Thanking you for your time “WE SHALL PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR COMPETITIVE CHESS THROUGH COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AT ALL LEVELS, HOSTING WORLD CLASS EVENTS AND INCREASED PERFORMANCE AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL.”