Despite the numbers game that was against the team, it finished in position two. Egypt once again proved to be the big brother of African chess by dominating the championships, claiming 25 medals, with nine gold medals to become African champions. The hosts had fielded an army of 187 minds. Botswana's hard fought gold medal and a silver placed the team in position two while Kenya’s gold and bronze placed them on the third spot of the medal table count. National chess champion, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Natalie Banda conquered the Under-16 girls category with one round to spare, to snatch the gold medal. Banda is now set to represent Africa at the 2024 World Youth Chess Championships.
Meanwhile, chess sensation, Eesha Reddy Nalamalpu secured the silver medal for Botswana. The 11-year old scored eight points out of a possible nine from seven wins and two draws. This comes with a WCM title and a huge gain close to 80 Elo ratings points. Nalamalpu started the championships as fourth seed. Her draws in the tournament were against Egyptian talented youngster, Ahmed Mohamed Zakaa, who started the competition as a top seed. She went on to pull a draw against champion, Tsinjoviniavo Aina Mahasambrata of Madagascar who went into the African championships as a third seed.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Nalamalpu's trainer, Vincent Masole said the North Africans have always been power houses when in African Youth Chess Championships. “Former national champion, Refilwe Gabatshwarwe finished in position four, missing out on podium finish, she is a good player and unfortunately luck was not on her side on the day. It was an impressive fight by Botswana at these championships but we could have done better,” he said.
