Lesotho lose to Bangladesh, Peru at Chess Olympiad.

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – The 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, began on a tough note for Lesotho’s chess team, which faced fierce competition from Bangladesh and Peru on Wednesday, suffering heavy defeats in both the open section and women’s division. Lesotho lost 4-0 to both countries, underscoring the significant gap in skill between the teams. The Olympiad, which started on September 11 and runs until September 22, attracts top talent from across the world, and for Lesotho, the opening rounds presented an uphill battle.

Team manager Tlhoriso Morienyane said their opponents were formidable. “Both Bangladesh and Peru fielded very strong players, much stronger than our team,” he said in an interview with Public Eye. He noted that Peru, though often associated with football dominance in South America, also proved their prowess in chess.

Morienyane acknowledged that earning any points against Bangladesh and Peru would have been a significant achievement for Lesotho, given the high calibre of their opponents.”Even securing half a point would have been a positive result for us,” he said. He pointed out that both Bangladesh and Peru fielded teams filled with titled players, while Lesotho had only one—Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Lieketseng Ngatane.

“They all had titled players, whereas we had just one,” Morienyane explained.Despite the defeats, Morienyane expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort. “Considering the strength of our opponents, we are happy with how our players performed,” he added.At the time of going to print, the Lesotho team was preparing to face Sierra Leone in the women’s competition and Ethiopia in the open section.

Morienyane remained hopeful for better outcomes against both African teams.”We expect improved results today,” he said. While acknowledging Ethiopia’s strength, he remained optimistic. “Ethiopia are stronger than our boys, but we do not expect to lose. If we do, it won’t be without scoring at least a point.”

Morienyane was particularly confident about the match against Sierra Leone. “We are aiming for a solid 4-0 victory against Sierra Leone,” he stated.The ongoing Chess Olympiad is in its 45th edition.

Lesotho chess team squad:

Karabo Mokete

Thabang Mphane

Lintle Molise

Sechaba Khalema

Lieketseng Ngatane

Motlomelo Lihloela

Tšephe Lebajoa

Boitumelo Sethabathaba

Bonolo Ntsielo

Nteboheleng Thetsane

Officials