Tingwane Mokwaledi has joined the small but growing number of International Chess Federations (FIDE) certified chess arbiters in Botswana.
His achievement brings to nine (9) the number of certified arbiters in the country.
Speaking in an interview, Tingwane said he now hopes to use his newly gained skill to benefit chess in the country. “This is a great effort that will benefit our country, more so our country is always recognised when it comes to arbiters for the World Olympiad Championships. We only have 9 people with this FIDE Arbiter title, only one lady and eight men,” he said.
The newly certified arbiter said this was a culmination of hard work.
“You only have to pass the examination, though it is not an easy thing to do one needs to work hard to prepare for it. One has to be very technical and officiate in three types of tournaments, the only challenge is the Arbiters seminars, they are hard to come by.”
Now with the first level of arbiter title under the arm, Tingwane said his eye is now focussed on earning more titles. “This is a stepping stone for me to bigger things, I want to get the highest qualification which is the international arbiter, vie for more opportunities, as we only have two individuals with those in the country,” he added.
When asked which advice he can give to other aspiring chess instructors, Mokwaledi had this to say “your work ethic should be top notch, commitment, passion and patience should also be your key guides.”
When asked on his chess journey, Mokwaledi had this to say “my chess journey is not that colourful, I started playing at junior level, but it fizzled out when I went to University in South Africa, I came back more as a coach.”
“I started arbitering way back in 2008.I was introduced to this part of officiating by our current Vice President Technical Mr Kelatlhilwe Kelapile. Back then he was BCF Secretary General. I have been a national arbiter up until I acquired my FA arbiter title in 2021. I have been a manager of the African Schools national team, 2017 we brought 9 medals (Zim), same event 2018 (SA) , 11 medals, 8 were gold, the gold medalists went to participate at the World Schools Championship in Turkey 2019. The team was nominated for team of the year (BNSC Awards) against Athletics Commonwealth Games relay team,” concluded Mokwaledi.
