Zambezi hosts inaugural regional champs
The Zambezi Chess Association (ZCA), formerly known as Zone Nine, staged its first regional schools chess tournament at the Katima Mulilo Youth Centre last weekend.
The event formed part of the Namibia Chess Federation’s (NCF) new regional championship structure, replacing the previous zonal system.
The championship aims to identify the top three players in each age category to represent the region at the National Schools Individual Chess Championships scheduled for March in Windhoek.
Winners at the national event will go on to represent Namibia at the African Schools Individual Chess Championships later this year.
The Zambezi Regional Schools Individual Chess Championships brought together 68 players from 10 schools.
Participating schools were Sangwali Secondary School, Katima Mulilo Combined School, Maps SDA, Caprivi Senior Secondary School, Zambezi Private School, Saint Kizito College, Adonai Private School, Great Achievers Academy Private School, Wild Kids Academy and Lawrence Sampofu Private School.
Players competed in a seven-round Swiss format across the U7 to U19 Open and girls’ sections for medals and regional qualification.
Outstanding players
The U19 Open section featured only two players, who faced off in a best-of-three format, with Cliff Kabende (Sangwali SS) claiming gold ahead of Kathima Blessing (St Kizito), who took silver.
There were no entries in the U19 girls’ section.
U15 Open: 1 Vincent Nchindo (Caprivi SSS), 2 Victor Abba (Zambezi PS), 3 Phin Nehemia (St Kizito).
U15 girls: 1 Robyn Netha (Great Achievers), 2 Judith Mubukwanu (Lawrence Sampofu) (only competitors).
U13 Open: 1 Muyoba Matengu (Lawrence Sampofu), 2 Prince Maketo (St Kizito), 3 Ashley Mumbone (Wild Kids).
U13 girls: 1 Makatendeka (Wild Kids), 2 Samantha Kacelo (Caprivi SSS), 3 Grace Mushaukwa (Wild Kids).
U11 Open: 1 Bandile Nyathi (Wild Kids), 2 Antonio Kandowa (Lawrence Sampofu), 3 Leandro Vanzyl (Adonai).
U11 girls: 1 Nakamwi Mukobela (Lawrence Sampofu), 2 Yolander Tawana (Lawrence Sampofu), 3 Sepiso Veldskoen (Lawrence Sampofu).
U9 Open: 1 George Uuzombala (Wild Kids), 2 Ashton Zulu (Wild Kids), 3 Buitumelo Mushaukwa (Wild Kids).
U9 girls: 1 Jodee Masake (Lawrence Sampofu), 2 Toini Silas (Katima CS), 3 Tumelo Veldskoen (Lawrence Sampofu).
U7 Open: 1 Alexander Silva (Wild Kids), 2 Basile Mukobela (Lawrence Sampofu), 3 Miles Satambwa (Wild Kids).
U7 girls: 1 Shiloh Kalimbo (Lawrence Sampofu), 2 Selma Amutenya (Wild Kids) (only competitors).
Lawrence Sampofu Private School and Wild Kids Academy finished tied for the most medals at the event, with 10 each.
More chess boards needed
Reflecting on the event, ZCA chairperson Vincent Mhike expressed pride in its success, recounting the challenges faced in introducing chess in the region.
“It has not been an easy journey. We first started with private schools and received assistance from civil and political authorities to include government schools,” he said.
Mhike said they aim to introduce chess to all learners, regardless of background. Highlighting the low participation in certain age categories, he described it as part of the growing pains of introducing a new sport in underserved areas.
“We remain confident that participation will grow as awareness improves,” he said.
One of the main challenges they face is a shortage of chessboards, particularly at government schools new to the sport, which Mhike said causes minor delays at events.
“Access to basic equipment remains one of our key barriers to expanding the sport in schools. Getting support in this area will significantly accelerate development and outreach,” he said.
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