Grootfontein hosts inaugural Bank Windhoek School Chess Individual qualifiers

The Namibia Chess Federation (NCF)’s Zone 5.2 successfully hosted its inaugural Bank Windhoek School Chess Individual qualifiers last weekend at Grootfontein Secondary School.The annual competition saw learners from schools in Tsumeb, Otavi, Tsumkwe, Oshivelo, Tsintsabis and surrounding areas test their strategic brilliance for a chance to compete at the National School Chess Individual Championships on 21 February.Previously hosted under a larger Zone 5, the Zone 5.2 competition was separated from the whole due to the vast distance stretching from Tsumkwe to Otjiwarongo, which prevented many schools from participating.Winners of the National School Chess Individual Championships will advance to represent the country at the World School Chess Championships from 19 to 29 March in Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia, and later at the Africa Schools Chess Championships from 22 to 29 May in Mombasa, Kenya.U19 qualifiersCompeting in the boys under-19 category, the host school’s players reigned supreme, scooping all three podium spots up for grabs. Bernard Mazila dominated the section to secure the gold medal, with Janco Horn coming second to secure the silver medal, alongside second runner-up and bronze-medallist, Cotinho Filipe.The girls under-19 section saw Abiater Rebekka from Etosha Secondary School clinch the top spot to secure the gold medal. Hot on her heels was homeschooled Visage Sonia, who claimed silver, with Coblenz Combined School’s Ngumeritiza Tjongarero winning the bronze medal.U17 qualifiersIn the boys under-17 category, homeschooled Andrew Simalumba and Lemuha Lemuha, clinched the top and second spots, respectively.Unfortunately, there were no competitors for the girls under-17 section.U15 qualifiersEtosha Secondary School’s Nangolo Alehandro was the boys under-15 category’s outstanding player, besting the homeschooled Brago Marco, and second runner-up, Toivo Tonata.In the girls under-15 category, Nangolo Ndapandula of Etosha Secondary School claimed the top spot, while Martin Naomi from Grootfontein Secondary School secured second place.U13 qualifiersThe boys under-13 section was led by homeschooled Ekaku Christian who dominated the category. The runner-up title was awarded to Haindaka Alexander from Wilhelm Nortier Primary School, while homeschooled Haushona Gabriel secured the third spot.In the girls under-13 category, Shilongo Dorkas from Wilhelm Nortier Primary School reigned supreme, followed by runner-up and schoolmate Maharero Okeri, and homeschooled Mbjetjiha Grace in third place.U11 qualifiersThe boys under-11 category saw Henock Isal from Wilhelm Nortier Primary School dominate, clinching the top spot. Homeschooled Kristiana Davis secured second place, while Armando Gabriel from Wilhelm Nortier Primary School took third.The girls under-11 category only had two competitors, which led them to face off against the boys. Lamo Cataleya from Wilhelm Nortier Primary School emerged victorious, alongside homeschooled Mutjavikua Brilliant, who secured second place.U9 qualifiersIn the boys under-9 category, Shimanya McDonald from Francis Galton Primary School claimed the top spot, alongside runner-up and schoolmate Baptista Aiden, and second runner-up Mupia Bright from Wilhelm Nortier Primary School.The girls under-9 category saw an uncontested victory for Kandjinomuni Inomasa from Wilhelm Nortier Primary School.Strong commitmentSpeaking to Sport Wrap, Zone 5.2 chairperson Medusal Shinyama expressed a strong commitment to expanding chess participation across all schools in the zone.“I want to involve all the schools in my zone, and I am willing to assist them with training, coaching, sourcing chess equipment, and securing sponsorships. I will make sure schools as far as Tsumkwe, Tsintsabis, Otavi, Oshivelo and Otjinene can take part in chess competitions. This is something I aim to achieve very soon,” he said.- mariud@nsh.com.na

Grootfontein hosts inaugural Bank Windhoek School Chess Individual qualifiers

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