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Those who know him best will vouch for the fact that Fort Hare chess coach Xhanti Mafongosi lives for the game. Now the world knows it too.

He was recently awarded FIDE Arbiter (FA) status by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), which means he has mastered the Laws of Chess and FIDE Regulations for tournaments while displaying “absolute objectivity”.

The title represents a milestone moment for the UFH mentor as he seeks to become one of the globe’s finest officials.

His journey to checkmate took many more moves than Mafongosi is accustomed to, especially when one considers that the road to officialdom is strewn with high-ranking peers whose votes are crucial to the process.

“Chess is what I love and it’s great that people are recognising my efforts,” Mafongosi recently said of his achievement.

He began his FA-quest during the pandemic, when he took FIDE’s course for arbiters and passed the exam with flying colours.

That took him to the level of Regional Arbiter (RA), which recognises that the individual understands the rules of the game and knows how to handle different scenarios.

However, it is the assessment of the practical component which establishes whether an RA can go even further in the sport.

UFH - Chess - Chess Coach - Xhanti Mafongosi (FSC) (1)

Fort Hare chess coach Xhanti Mafongosi has been awarded FA status by the World Chess Federation. Photo: Full Stop Communications

“After you have passed the RA exam, you have to assist at three different tournaments rated by Chess South Africa,” Mafongosi explained.

If the chief arbiter at each of these competitions has at least Provincial Arbiter (PA) status, and there are two officials who can vouch for your performance at these, you can qualify as a PA.

The next and highest level in SA is that of National Arbiter (NA), which requires candidates to officiate in at least three national tournaments such as the SA Schools and SA Open championships. Again, two suitably-qualified arbiters need to sign off on a job done well.

However, because Mafongosi wrote the FIDE exam, he became eligible to pursue the FA even though this process was a little “trickier”.

“At this level you have to achieve what is called arbiter norms, and you need four of them. Basically, you have to be nominated four times and these nominations have to come from people with FA status themselves.”

In addition, candidates must pass an exam and assist at three tournaments of varying formats. The players also need to have an international rating.

“Only then do you get FA status,” the UFH mentor explained.

As excited and honoured as he is to receive the certification, it won’t make his jam-packed schedule any easier.

He was recently voted in as secretary of the country’s commission for arbiters and organisers, while continuing in the roles of chair of the Eastern Cape Students’ Chess Association and president of the Amathole Chess Union.

However, as a chess man, he was “brought up to think a few moves ahead”, he quipped.

For the past few years, he has groomed UFH chess star Romeo Tokoyi to become a coach and the youngster has slotted into the role beautifully.

“A lot of the legwork [at Fort Hare] is done by him. Some of the praise I get should actually go to him, so a plan has been put in place in terms of continuity.”

Mafongosi’s goal is to become an International Arbiter (IA), which requires him to be ratified by top officials from foreign chess federations.

This means travelling the African continent officiating at various events of international standing. But he has no doubt that he is up for the challenge.

There are four IA-levels (A, B, C and D) and he will not forfeit until he rules from the highest.