Leemisa Thuseho
CHESS Federation of Lesotho (CFL) secretary general Mokone Moshe has thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency in the upcoming elections.
The association will hold its elective annual general meeting (AGM) on 1 May 2021 at a yet to be decided venue.
With current president Tšeliso Motloheloa out in full force to retain his position and lead the association for another four years, the race is now down to two as Moshe is the only challenger.
Moshe, who is a member of Mazenod Chess Club, told the Lesotho Times this week that he was ready to lead the association as he has been in the executive committee as secretary general since 2008.
“I have been in the association’s leadership since 2008 and have contributed a lot to its growth… now I want to be the president because I have realised that being a secretary, one doesn’t have the final say and all his good initiatives and plans can be in vain if the president is against them,” Moshe said.
Although he is hoping to release his manifesto next week, he said his mission is to improve the sport.
“I want to grow the sport because there has been no developmental progress. The only people who are benefitting are already established athletes who can do things on their own.
“We must increase the number of arbiters in all the districts as that will help grow the sport. Currently, we have just one arbiter.”
He also intends to foster women’s empowerment.
On the other hand, Motloheloa, who has been leading the association for the past eight years, still wants more. The association’s constitution does not limit the number of terms to be served by a leader but Motloheloa says if he is elected this time around, then this would be his last term.
“I am going to contest in the elections but that will be my last term if I win,” Motloheloa said last this year.
Motloheloa is also a member of FIDE Chess in Education Commission following his appointment in 2019.
In 2016, he was suspended from the presidency for allegedly misusing the federation’s funds from the World Chess Federation. He was only reinstated towards the end of 2018 after the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence.
According to the list of nominees, Teboho Cekwane and Thabang Mapena are battling for the vice president position while Palamo Makhele and Tlhoriso Morienyane are vying for secretary general office.
The current public relations officer, Khiba Selatela and Ntšepiseng Letoao will lock horns in the race for the vice secretary general post.
The race for the treasurer position race is between Lehlohonolo Sekhoto and Mphetole Mona.
Theko Khanyapa will be the first additional member (players’ representative). He is unopposed. Masilo Mafube and Moseli Phera have been nominated for the second additional member (development officer) position.
Motlatsi Motlokoa, ‘Maretšepile Malemoha and Mohlekoa Mokemane are unchallenged as third, fourth and fifth additional members respectively.
