Eleven Years of Eswatini Chess

We've had our ups and downs, in the words of Bob Marley, "good friends we've had, and good friends we've lost". Chess politics, not one of my favorite aspects of the game but, without them, there would be no game at all. So, today I decided to write a few words in an attempt to show some appreciation of the efforts of one or two individuals who've contributed to the progress of Eswatini Chess.

Top of the list has to be Mr Layidaphansi Dlamini! Not just for the role he played in earning us the recognition by FIDE and registration with the local sports and recreation council. The real work is in inspiring people from different walks of life to unite and build something they might not even get to fully enjoy, in that regard, he certainly got things moving. The only active arbiter(s) in the kingdom earned their FA tittles under his leadership. In year 2013-14, we had U14 and U12 representation in two World Youth Championships, African Junior Championships and an Olympiad! This is a leader who placed more value in development, unfortunately, kids don't get a vote.

Number two on my little list has to be, the ever controversial Meluleki "Melo" Mdluli! There aren't that many doors you can knock on in the kingdom in the name of chess where his name will not come up. In the same spirit as the FIDE President Arkady, Mdluli played a huge role in getting chess out of the proverbial woods Eswatini. It was under his Leadership that we got our very first FIDE rated tournament in the kingdom back in 2015! Melo played a crucial role in helping the federation connect with other, slightly ahead federations, getting them to support our events and share ideas.

I know I said one or two, but there's just no way we can speak of Eswatini Chess and not bring up Mr Dumisani Msibi! Of all his contributions to chess, I am most impressed with the establishment of the Eswatini Schools Chess Association. I would like to believe this is the body to spearhead the implementation of a chess in Eswatini schools program. We are already seeing a glimpse of promise in this endeavor, could be my rose colored glasses but we managed to get representation in the 2023 World Schools Team Chess Championship! That is in my books, a big deal.

I could go on all day about the the good deeds and flaws of the these three gentlemen, but today, today is about appreciating them and their contributions, their sacrifices... MIHLE IMISEBENTI YABO! They are appreciated.