Curro Baobab is representing Botswana at the World Schools Chess Championship Continental Stage after receiving a wildcard nomination from the African Chess Federation.

The championship is taking place at the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town from 6 to 11 July.

The nomination follows Curro Baobab’s second-place finish at the National Chess Qualifiers, held at the University of Botswana. It also comes as the school holds a distinctive place in Botswana chess. Curro Baobab is the country’s first and only FIDE Award-winning school for excellence in chess development.

FIDE support for Team Baobab

The World Chess Federation, FIDE, is sponsoring the team’s flights, accommodation and meals for the championship.

Team Baobab includes Thabani Balang, Mokhaya Mannathoko, Kgantontle Seakgosing and Abale Seakgosing. They are accompanied by coach Vincent Masole and team manager Onkemetse Katambarare.

For Thabani and Mokhaya, the continental event adds another international chapter to their chess experience. Both learners were part of the Curro Baobab team that represented Botswana at the World Schools Chess Championship in Kazakhstan in 2023.

Chess development recognised beyond Botswana

Curro Baobab is also one of only three schools in Africa to receive a FIDE Bronze School Award for chess development and support.

That recognition gives context to the wildcard nomination. The team’s place at the continental stage follows a national qualifying result, earlier international participation and formal recognition from the global chess body.