1,000 Chess Sets Reach Lesotho.
We are thrilled to announce that 1,000 chess sets have safely reached Lesotho under the local leadership of Monaheng Motomelo.
This is his story…
I started playing chess at 'Mabathoana high school in 2012. I learned by watching my classmates play during break hours. After a week I had learned how all the pieces move & I started playing. I was part of the school team that finished 3rd at the 2013 National Schools & National Clubs championships.
In my first fide rated tournament I finished with 3.5 points, getting a draw and a win against Lesotho's top rated players Klaas Tokelo and Khalema Sechaba respectfully.
I started coaching and organizing tournaments after joining the National University of Lesotho. I was part of the team that finished 2nd at the 2016 and 2019 Boleswa Intervarsity Games. I represented Lesotho at the 2018 CUCSA games in Botswana and 2022 African Amateur Championship in Kenya.
I became Lesotho's 2nd Fide Arbiter in August 2023. I learned about The Gift of Chess at a tournament I had organized where Bernice Wambui participated. I then met Phylis Ngigi who introduced me to other members of the team.
On behalf of Lesotho chess community, I'm grateful & would like to thank The Gift of Chess for their generosity. I will make sure that this chess sets help in making a positive impact to the youth of Lesotho.
If you would like to help w/ distribution, message on X at @monahengmo10031