A different kind of movement is taking shape, as the Maun Chess Academy continues to breathe new life into the local chess scene through an expanding social chess club, competitive tournaments, and a philanthropic drive that reaches far beyond the game itself.
The Maun Chess Academy Easter Chess Tournament concluded with an impressive showcase of talent across all categories. In the Kids U18 division, Pitlagano Junior clinched first place, earning a chess set and a Tandurei lunch voucher.
A three-way tie for second place saw Monnaatsie Tumelo, Balopi Tau, and Marenga Paha each walking away with the same prize. Special recognition was given to Keneo Ngande, who received a P200 cash prize for the Special Needs Award, while Sabure Tuduetso was crowned best female player, winning a P500 grocery voucher.
In the Adults category, the competition was fierce, resulting in a shared first place between Sabure Bojosi and Shakwa Terrence, both receiving P1250 cash prizes. Mosheti Simon secured third place and was awarded a P750 grocery voucher. The tournament celebrated not only skill but inclusivity and sportsmanship, with a range of prizes recognizing top performers and outstanding individuals.
This year marked the Academy’s first tournament of 2025 and its third overall since its late launch last year.
According to Mpho Motsatsing, Public Relations Officer for Maun Chess Academy, the initiative is gaining traction with the community. “We are very excited about this year. Our social chess club is growing. We have more sponsors coming in and we’re hoping to host even bigger tournaments, including federated games. This is a good start to the year,” said Motsatsing.
One key difference from last year is visibility and growing support, thanks in large part to the Academy’s commitment to social impact. “People recognize us because of the charity work we’re doing. We’re not just doing this for ourselves,” said Chris Vonn, founder and CEO of Kalahari Breeze.
Part of the proceeds from their previous tournaments were used to buy sanitary pads for rural primary schools in and around Maun. Last year, the Academy donated to Shorobe Primary School, combining the donation with educational sessions on menstrual health for both students and staff.
“We realised that many children, especially girls in rural areas, lack basic necessities like sanitary towels. And because these issues are often shrouded in silence due to cultural norms, we wanted to break that barrier and create awareness,” said Vonn. “Our approach couples donations with educational outreach. We don’t just leave the pads we talk to them about what’s happening to their bodies, and help boys understand and support their female peers.”
Beyond addressing underprivileged communities, the academy aims to tackle broader social challenges such as mental health and drug abuse. Chess is positioned not only as a game of strategy but as a social tool that draws youth away from destructive habits and into a structured, intellectually stimulating environment.
“That’s why we’re holding these tournaments so that people can come here instead of going there and abusing drugs,” Vonn added. “We even left chess boards at Tandurei and other restaurants, to keep the game accessible and part of daily life.”
The Academy is also deeply committed to inclusivity. Players with physical disabilities are welcomed and assisted throughout the tournaments, and they participate as full competitors. “Just because your body is not in coordination with your mind doesn’t mean you can’t play. These guys are sharp,” Vonn noted.
Young talent is being actively cultivated as well. The Academy plans to host a kids-only tournament in the coming weeks, with over 50 children already registered from schools like Matshwane, Delta Waters, and Bana ba Letsatsi.
“We want to discover the next generation of chess prodigies,” Vonn said. “We’ve seen what players like Ignatius and Tudu Enso have achieved—now we want to find the next stars hiding in our local schools.”
With ambitions to register more events with the global chess federation FIDE and potential partnerships with venues like Maun Lodge and the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), Maun Chess Academy is set on a path that merges sport, community, and purpose. “We are trying to create a calendar of events, to bring a bigger setting,” Motsatsing shared. “We have collaborated with Botswana Chess Federation, and that opens more doors for support and recognition.”
The host and quiet supporter of the initiative, Ko Sedibeng, added that its doors are for Saturday training sessions to welcome anyone interested in learning and growing through chess.
Gosiame Andreck of Ko Sedibeng, the host of the tournament, shared his vision, saying, “We want to cause a positive impact that could be celebrated by everyone in the community. Just be there to provide what we can.”
Ultimately, the chess movement delivered a powerful message—uniting minds from diverse backgrounds on a level playing field. The chessboard became more than just a game; it symbolised life itself, where each player, regardless of their starting point, had the chance to use available resources strategically to make the most of their position.
