Moshe declares checkmate: New chess federation president vows to revolutionize the game

Landslide AGM victory sets the stage for ambitious national development plan focused on schools, clubs, inclusivity

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – Mokone Moshe has been crowned the new king of Lesotho chess, securing a decisive victory to be elected president of the Chess Federation Lesotho (CFL).

In a commanding performance at the federation’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), Moshe captured 29 votes, soundly defeating his opponent’s 17.

The win signals a bold new era for the sport, with Moshe immediately outlining a game plan focused on aggressive growth from the ground up.

“Chess has to grow, and that growth comes from good governance,” stated the new president, emphasizing that responsible leadership is the first move in his strategy. His vision is to develop players at every level, from rookie to grandmaster.

The core of Moshe’s strategy is a full-court press on schools.

“We will launch a massive development drive in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions – that’s where we will find our next generation of champions,” he explained.

For the nation’s elite players, Moshe promises to level up their training. “We are recruiting high-level trainers and ensuring our top talent gets more playing time in competitive tournaments.

The only way to sharpen your game is to face stronger opposition,” he said, highlighting the need for consistent high-level competition.

Recognizing that a strong ecosystem is key to sustainability, Moshe pointed to tournaments and clubs as the bedrock of his plan.

“We need dedicated tournament organizers to build a real circuit. I want to see chess in every district, on every street corner. That’s when we will know we have won,” he declared.

He also championed chess clubs as essential team environments for fostering talent and camaraderie.

“Clubs are our training grounds. They build the community and collaborative spirit we need to move forward together.”

In a powerful pledge, the new president promised to open the game to all Basotho.

“Our board is open to everyone,” he vowed. “Financial status, education, gender, or disability will not be barriers. I will make chess a game for every single person in Lesotho.”

With the opening moves now clear, Moshe’s administration is set to develop a comprehensive national policy to guide Lesotho’s chess journey to checkmate.

His victory marks not just a change in leadership, but the start of a determined quest to make Lesotho a true force in the world of chess.