NCF players seek African glory at Kenya champs

A 26-member Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) team of young prodigies departed yesterday to represent the country at the African Schools Individual Chess Championship, taking place from today until 29 May in Mombasa, Kenya.The prestigious International Chess Federation (FIDE)-rated tournament will see the NCF field its top players, who were selected after a rigorous nationwide team selection process.The journey to the continental stage began with the Zonal School Chess Individual Championships, held earlier this year by the NCF’s 10 regional zones.Winners of the zonals advanced to the Bank Windhoek Closed School Chess Individual Championships, which determined the best of the best for the continental showpiece.The selected team features players in the U7 to U17 age categories across both boys’ and girls’ sections. They are accompanied by head of delegation Israel Shilongo, deputy head of delegation Abigahil Muronga, coach Ricky Eiman and 18 accompanying parents.The players representing Namibia at the international tournament are:U17 girls and U17 open: Caylee van Wyk and Sergio Beukes, respectively.U15 girls: Annemie Roussow, Venasius Rebecca Shimanya, Ndapandula Nalwoondje Nangolo.U15 open: Sibusiso Angula, Pinehas Tangeni Mweya.U13 girls: Neriah Gwanyanya.U13 open: Alexander de Koe, Virtuous Fufuna.U11 girls: Shadah Uanguta, Letty Ngula, Tanatswanashe Katsvara, Wellemina Ndinelago Shimanya.U11 open: Emanuel Gomes, Paulus Shilongo, Justice Haidula, Erick Shoopala Festus, Johannes Christiaan Cronje.U9 girls: Iyaloo Hamutumwa.U9 open: Phaino Gwanyanya, Frederick Cronje, Jose Carlitos Muronga, Renier Le-Jean Wesley Mouers.U7 girls: Penny Shilongo, Jodee Masake.U7 open: Dampfer George.Speaking to this publication at the send-off on Tuesday evening at Windhoek's Nictus Cultural Centre, head of delegation Shilongo said the preparations went well. However, they were unable to send the full group of over 50 qualified players due to financial constraints.“We hope that next year, or at other continental tournaments, companies can come on board and ensure that these players are supported well for the game of chess,” he said.He added that the players are in good spirits and looking forward to the competition. “We hope it will be a good one for Namibia, as we have some strong players amongst us who the country looks up to. We trust that all the players will do their best.”- mariud@nsh.com.na

NCF players seek African glory at Kenya champs

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NCF players seek African glory at Kenya champs

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