Shilongo takes chess lessons beyond the board

Chess
Mariud Ngula
  • 20 Hours Ago

Namibia Chess Federation secretary-general Israel Shilongo has turned lessons gathered through years of coaching, administration and competition into a new book about life beyond the 64 squares.

Shilongo launched When They See Chess, They See Me at the National Library of Namibia in Windhoek on Tuesday, presenting it as a reflection on the discipline, decision-making and resilience he has drawn from the sport.

Rather than serving as an instructional manual, the book explores how lessons from the board and clock can be applied to personal growth and everyday challenges.

Its foreword was written by former African Chess Confederation president Lewis Ncube of Zambia, who led the continental body from 2014 to 2022. A signed first-edition copy was auctioned for N$1 550 during the launch.


Beyond the board

Shilongo is a chess coach, academic, entrepreneur and author who has remained closely involved in the sport’s development and administration.

The publication is his third book, following A Journey with Happiness, launched in 2020, and A Journey with Success, released in 2023.

He stressed that readers should not expect a guide to openings, tactics or endgames, but rather reflections on patience, pressure, planning and the consequences of decisions.

The event was co-hosted with first-time author and fashion designer Christ Lao Shameulu, who launched The Power of Perseverance.

Shameulu’s book draws on lessons from her life and is intended as a guide to building purpose, determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Namibian politician Dr Panduleni Itula wrote its foreword, while a signed first-edition copy was auctioned for N$1 000.


Support for authors

Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo delivered the keynote address, reflecting on his upbringing in Windhoek and the obstacles he has overcome.

He spoke about growing up with a stepmother, facing imprisonment, surviving a suicide attempt and later venturing into cryptocurrency and entrepreneurship.

Amushelelo pledged N$10 000 to Shilongo and Shameulu to help cover expenses associated with publishing and promoting their new books.

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