Botswana chess coaches honored
By Atlang Sebakile , 01 , Aug 2013
In pursuit of chess development locally, Botswana Chess Federation reinforced their continuous attempts to nurture imminent talent by holding a developmental initiative which saw 21 Batswana chess coaches trained and awarded chess training qualifications by Grandmaster Dejan Bojkov from Bulgaria. Cinky Boikanyo, who was awarded the highest chess coaching accolade,expressed his delight for being the first Motswana to be awarded this qualification.“This is a great achievement for me and the nation at large as I am now in a better position to raise competitive players who can represent the country across borders,” he shared with Gazette Sport.
According to the World Chess Federation (WCF) website, this award is recognized by all countries in the world affiliated to the WCF and affords its recipients the opportunity to train all players with the rating of up to 2450. Boikanyo is also recognized as the National Examiner who can conduct training seminars for all existing and aspiring trainers/coaches locally.During an interview with this publication, Boikanyo stressed the need for the Botswana Chess Federation to engage them (qualified trainers) in the running of the federation since in the past unqualified people were used to train players. He also expressed his disappointment at the federation’s failure to pay for their accreditation.
“I paid for my training which saw me graduate as the only FIDE trainer in Botswana and I strongly hold the view that the federation should extend its helping hand in the future,” the FIDE trainer lamented. Israel Makwati, who has a great track record of voluntarism in the development of chess locally, was awarded the FIDE instructor license. When reached for comment, Makwati couldn’t hide his excitement for his achievement which he says has cemented his love and passion for chess. “This award has motivated me to keep working hard with the hope that one day I will also be awarded one of the highest coaching accolade,” he said. Makwati further shared with Gazette Sport that Botswana Chess Federation is doing a great job increasing the number of local qualified coaches.
“This is a good move that will help us to produce a good crop of players in future,”he alluded. According to the Botswana Chess Federation Public Relations Director, Neoyame Katisenge, Botswana Chess Federation is currently in talks with the Ministry of Education to introduce chess at primary schools country wide.When reached for comment on this new development, Boikanyo praised this initiative which he said will help students to grow intellectually and help to deter them from engaging in unpleasant behaviors.
Source: http://www.gazettebw.com
Well deserved.