Seabata Mahao
Lesotho’s chess scene is celebrating a major triumph as two of its own, Lebajoa Tšephe and Motlomelo Lihloela, have secured their spots in the prestigious 2024 African Amateur Chess Championship.
The tournament is set to take place from July 21 to 29 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Tšephe and Lihloela clinched their places following stellar performances in the 2024 African Amateurs Online Qualifiers held from June 22 to 23. The qualifiers, sponsored by the African Chess Confederation (ACC), saw both players finish second in their respective categories, thus earning the right to compete on the continental stage.
The online qualifiers featured a highly competitive field, divided into several categories: Open U2300, Women U2300, Open U2000, Women U2000, Open U1700, and Women U1700.
Each category saw participation from six players representing their respective zones. Lesotho’s national team was well-represented, with six participants: Tšephe in the U2300 Open section, Sechaba Khalema in the U2000 Open section, Lihloela in the U1700 Open section, Nteboheleng Thetsane in the U2300 Women section, Ntsielo Bonolo in the U2000 Women section, and Lintle Molise in the U1700 Women section.
Lesotho players competed against opponents from Somalia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Nigeria, Angola, Madagascar, Kenya, Togo, Ghana, Zambia, Mozambique, and Chad.
The best player in each category from each zone qualified and will receive full board accommodation, including a double or single room with three meals per day during the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Chess Federation of Lesotho (CFL) indicated that the tournament will remain open to other players who did not qualify, but they will need to cover their own accommodation costs if they wish to participate.
