Benjamin Banlock, former Secretary General of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) during Samuel Eto'o's tenure, has been elected president of the Cameroon Chess Federation (FECADE). The election took place during the general assembly held on April 11 in Yaoundé.
Banlock, a well-known figure in Cameroonian chess, succeeds Elie Tanko, who had led FECADE since its creation in 2007. He secured 24 out of 25 votes, demonstrating broad support for his vision for the future of the sport.
"I aim to usher in a new era for Cameroonian chess," stated Banlock, who has long been considered the country's best chess player. He also served as an advisor to the former president of the International Chess Federation, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.
The new president of FECADE outlined his vision for structuring and developing chess in Cameroon. He aims to build "a structured, respected, and influential institution capable of raising Cameroon's colors high on the continental and global chessboard". To achieve this, he intends to leverage his personal experience and skills in strategic management.
Banlock emphasized his knowledge of the field, gained as a player representing Cameroon in three Chess Olympiads. He also highlighted his experience in strategic management and business, which will enable him to structure the organization, mobilize resources, and build lasting partnerships.
Among his priorities, Banlock mentioned the need to establish transparent governance, clear rules, modern and digitalized management, as well as the implementation of licenses and rankings. He also aims to develop the presence of chess in schools, universities, and academies in all ten regions of the country, in order to prepare the next generation of Cameroonian champions.
Finally, Banlock stressed the importance of training and promoting referees, coaches, and club leaders. He also pledged to leverage his experience in the business world to attract private sponsors and create solid partnerships, in order to financially support the federation's ambitions.
