Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe
3 October 2008
Where are all the top women chess players? This is the major question after the surprise crowning of a 14-year-old Form One girl as the best woman player at an international tournament in Gaborone on Wednesday.
The development has raised new debate as to whether this could be a sign of decline in the women's game.
Faith Mbakwa of Maikano Junior Secondary School in Gaborone was the shock winner at the annual Botswana International Open, which usually coincides with Independence Day celebrations. The tournament was this time held at Legae Academy. It usually attracts crème de la crème of chess in the region.
Save for the absence of Africa's only Woman Grand Master Tuduetso Sabure, who has not been seen at tournaments this year since she qualified as a nurse from the University of Botswana, top chesswomen participated in the tournament. They include the likes of defending champion Boikhutso Mudongo, the runner-up, Tshepiso Lopang as well as Keitumetse Mokgacha who are all members of the Botswana women national team.
But they were outclassed by Mbakwa who finished the tournament as the top woman at number 23 out 106. Mudongo was 31st while Lopang came 35th.
For Mbakwa, there is every reason to celebrate the newly found fame. She could have easily walked away with the Best Under-16 prize as well, but the organisers awarded only one prize. After garnering six victories in nine games, Mbakwa can boast that she never lost to a woman opponent in the tournament.
She gunned down five men, as well as this year's national senior schools vice champion (girls), Gorata Leso of Moeng College. She only lost to a Zambian player Stanley Banda, Goabaone Ragontse of University of Botswana, and Shubham Chadna of Legae Academy.
Chess coach Baone Kealeboga does not know much about the 14-year-old Maikano girl but he was shocked to learn that she defeated one Onkemetse Dintle, whom he regards as one of the bright prospects in the game.
Little Mbakwa feels that being crowned the best woman without playing any of the top women players is not prestigious enough. She is itching for a chance to have a go at them. "I would not consider myself a very strong player until I have met and defeated one of them. I am aware of the fact that this time round, I could not face any of them because they did not do so well in the tournament, which surprises me. Maybe they have lots of commitments, which I do not have. I play a lot of chess. I have been playing a lot of chess since I was 10. I read a lot of books, and play the computer," says the Form One girl.
"I think I am fortunate that my school happens to be a place of chess champions. Thabang Tsele (Form Three) won Botswana Open; Oaitse Kokome (Form Three) is the national Under-18 champion. Rosang Thite (Form One) is the Under-14 champion and number three overall in senior schools' individuals."
Last year when Mbakwa was in Standard Seven, she won three junior titles in Gaborone, Mahalapye and Francistown.
Meanwhile at the closing ceremony of the Botswana International Open, former Botswana Chess Federation president Moathodi Kgosimore said the event was one of the most competitive. He said there was good chess skill at all levels of play.
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