SCRABBLE: African’s current King, Nwali excited about PANASA President’s Cup

By Maxwell Kumoye
Current African Scrabble Champion, Enoch Tochukwu Nwali of Nigeria is very excited with the prospect of participating in the maiden edition of the Pan African Scrabble Association, President’s Cup scheduled to hold in Lekki-Lagos come August 24th to 28th.

Nwali who won the 14th edition of the African Scrabble Championship in Lusaka, Zambia last year is eagerly looking forward to the event that is expected to feature 150 players from about 25 countries of the world.

“The African Scrabble Championship is limited to only African players but the President’s Cup is global. You can expect top players from Europe and America as well as other parts of the world.” Nwali stated.

The 300 level student of Health Education of the University of Lagos, further explained that top players from Kenya and Uganda have registered for this tournament and we are expecting other players from the rest of the world.

“It’s going to be a world class tournament, something like the World Championship.” The winner of the Sophomore edition of the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament, added.

Already the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) of both the PANASA President’s Cup and the African Youth Scrabble Championship have been put in place.

In a related development, The Republic of Botswana has become the first country to name it’s team for the African Youth Scrabble Championship holding simultaneously with the PANASA President’s Cup.

Team Botswana comprises of 27 players and a coach.

This is the full list of Team Botswana to the African Youth Scrabble Championship:

1. Mojaboswa Bonno

2. Lame Ralosetlha

3. Michelle Bonno

4. Sesame Letlhatshane

5. Junior Matlhagela

6. Mpho Letlhare

7. Kemoneilwe Bonno

8. Tumelo Tlhabiwe

9. Olerilwe Mathaio

10. Lesego Thobosi

11. Monique Chiutare

12. Sandra Enose

13. Thebe Ranko

14. Antonio Baison

15. Thandi Bonno

16. Mathaio Mathaio

17. Kezia Seako Batlhoki

18. Kgosi Merapelo Wamokala

19. Christinah Gontho

20. Gosiame Molaodi

21. Leatla Faith Baruti

22. Refilwe Coline Seakolo

23. Setso Kalake

24. Mamikie Gabokgethwe

25. Walter Kgotso Molobi

26. Katlego Nancy Motlhanke

27. Thato Bagwasi

Coach: Keoikantse Letsine

The President of Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan, said, “Although we have set a total limit of 120 players for the African Youth Scrabble Championship (AYSC), PANASA will allow countries to bring over that number where it is mentioned well ahead of time. Kenya has also been granted the same status.

Already the trophies and medals for the African Youth Scrabble Championship and badges for the Continental Champion have been delivered to PANASA by the designer and maker, Swatkins. The trophy is nickel plated and made to last forever.

“Today and ahead of the trophy tour, I received the Dr (Mrs) Winifred Awosika Trophy for best Under 19 player. I have also received the Medals that will be adorned by the AYSC winners. Also as a mark of honour for what they have achieved on the continent, all former African Scrabble Champions will be adorn with a Continental Champion badge before the start of the games on August 24.” The PANASA President said.

Adegbesan who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Scrabble Association (OSSA), stressed that the continental Body Governing the game of words will never settle for less.

“For the medals, we want to be unique and have opted for Antique Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.” He concluded.