Kenneth Boiktuswane, "BCF rattles Chess Grand Master," Mmegi, 8 March 2006 (Gaborone, Botswana).

The press conference was well attended by chess players, BCF officials and sponsors. In his opening remarks, Buthali thanked the GM for his visit and expressed hope that he will inspire chess players in the region, to greater heights. "Africa has only three GMs all from North Africa, and as a region we are lagging behind," said Buthali.

When his turn to speak came, Short said he was interested in popularising chess and he is looking forward to spending time with players. "I'm visiting eight countries to promote the game as Africa has been neglected for quite some time. I hope to share with the players some tips which can be helpful to the development of their chess careers," emphasized Short. Then Lesego Mohutsiwa of Gabz FM asked a two-pronged question. "What exactly is the purpose of Short's visit here and for BCF what do you hope to gain from the visit by the GM?" The answers from the two sides were quite revealing. Short said his visit was two-fold: to promote chess in the region and to campaign for change at the management level of the World Chess Federation (FIDE).

He said that he had always wanted to visit Botswana as far back as 2004. He deliberated in great detail on the second part of his mission saying that as this was an election year for FIDE, the chess world had a genuine opportunity to make positive changes. "FIDE is failing to attract corporate sponsors because the organisation is filled with allegations of scandals which chase away potential sponsors. Any sponsor who does a Google search on FIDE is immediately shocked by what they find, and know that they wouldn't want their company to be associated with such a body." He said the forthcoming elections could determine whether the chess world stagnates or moves forward. He said Bessel Kok of Holland, a challenger to the incumbent Kirsan Ilyumzhinov of Russia, is the best man to take chess forward.

Secretary Thabani Balang responded to Mohutsiwa's question for the BCF by saying they hoped that Short will inspire Botswana's Olympiad team to do well in Italy in May. It was when Balang asked the BCF president to elaborate in detail what Botswana stands to benefit from the visit that all hell broke loose. Buthali, guaranteed to be Africa Chess Union president as he is unopposed for the seat, chose the moment to lash out at GMs who often organises visits at times of elections. "These guys come here and make promises after promises but after the elections, they disappear. Africa needs to solve its own problems and if we have the right plans we can do it. We don't need people from outside the continent to tell us what our problems are," a visibly agitated Buthali said. He added that Botswana had taken a position on the two candidates for the FIDE top seat based on various strategic factors. He did not indicate who Botswana is supporting. He added that they would not use tax payers' money for visitors who have political agendas.

At this point, various members of the audience tried to tell Balang, who was officiating, to cut Buthali short but in vain. When Buthali finished his speech, Short asked to be given a chance to respond. But Balang refused and the fuming GM immediately left the hall and invited members of the press to speak with him outside. The outburst by BCF's president has been condemned by various members of the local chess community. Chadza Bontsi of Poisonous Snakes said that there was lack of diplomacy and as such Botswana has been embarrassed. "BCF didn't have to state its stance on the matter in such a setup. That is for private forums. There was absolutely no need for the president to make a personal attack. Lobbying is normal and there is no need to attack, even if you are on different sides. This is a huge embarrassment for Botswana," a concerned Bontsi said.

Veteran chess player Mosenya Ndawana, who left midway into Buthali's speech, said he could not stand what was being said. He said that BCF's attitude towards Short, if Buthali's speech is anything to go by is very cold. Ndawana said Buthali talked about GM's visiting during elections time, but he himself was recently in Russia to meet the FIDE president. "How many times has he been to Russia on developmental issues concerning Botswana chess? He should take a leaf from his own actions before staging a war in such an unnecessary manner." He faulted Buthali's claims about the use of tax payers' money to host GMs with a political agenda. He said Botswana would be voting in Turin and taxpayers' money would be used to fly Buthali to the event. Hence, Batswana have a right to know what the country stands to benefit from the candidate BCF supports.

Outside the hall, Short said he will continue with his schedule despite what transpired at the press conference. Short is England's second highest rated player and has had a distinguished chess career. He became a GM in 1984 at the age of 19. In 1992, he defeated the formidable Anatoly Karpov of Russia in the World Championship semi - finals. At that time, he was the only other player beside Garry Kasparov to have defeated Karpov. The win booked a clash with Kasparov for the world crown but he was not successful against arguably the best ever chess player. He lost 12.5-7.5.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 9 March 2006