She follows in the footsteps of WFM Besa Masaiti who is based in the United States. Marape will study at the Webster University in the USA. Speaking to MmegiSport, BCF president, Mooketsi Segaise said they submitted the scholarship application on behalf of Marape.
“Applications of such nature have to be channelled through an athlete’s sporting code, so we submitted on her behalf. We are excited by her achievement,” he said. For his part, Marape’s father, Marape Marape said there is nothing that pleases his heart than his daughter receiving the scholarship. He said his daughter could have started at the university in August. “But the offer letter from the Department of Tertiary Education Funding has not been forthcoming. We hope it will be released soon.
Naledi has worked hard for many years, and I think she deserves this. Lots of time, energy and resources have gone into this project and I am glad it is paying off,” he said. Marape said he believed in his daughter from a young age.
He said that is why he decided to invest in her and support her with everything. Marape said he saw a lot of commitment, self-belief and willingness to put in the hours and work needed to achieve. “She never disappointed me.
She worked hard, followed instructions, and studied hard in both chess and school. The scholarship is the culmination of many years of hard work, dedication, investment, coaching, sacrifices, and travelling across many countries,” Marape said.
Naledi completed her Form Five at Maruapula School in Gaborone last year. She was waiting to enrol at a tertiary institution. Marape said Naledi was due to start her studies in August, which were postponed to October, but due to delays with the sponsorship letter, her lessons will start in January 2024.
