Tag Archives: Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM)

Sports

NBM plc supports 2025 African Youth Chess Championship with MK12.4 million

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has handed over MK12.4 million to Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) to support Malawi’s participation at the 2025 African Youth Chess Championship, scheduled for December 7 to 13 in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque handover ceremony on Thursday in Blantyre, NBM plc Chief Information Officer, Bestone Kasoloka, said the Bank recognises chess as a strategic sport that sharpens intelligence and nurtures leadership potential.

“Chess is more than just a game. To be a good chess player, you must think five moves ahead. As National Bank of Malawi plc, we support logic-building and critical thinking because these are the foundations of great leadership. That is why we decided to make this investment,” said Kasoloka.

He added that the Bank has confidence in the national team and expects them to deliver an impressive performance at the championship.

“We expect medals and strong performances from our players. We believe they will represent Malawi well and bring back positive results,” he said.

In his remarks, Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) General Secretary, Gift Howahowa, expressed gratitude for the support, saying it will boost the team’s morale and help them prepare effectively.

“We are very grateful for the support from the NBM plc. This contribution will go a long way in ensuring successful participation and will serve as motivation for our young players,” said Howahowa.

Sixteen players, aged under-10, 12 and 16, are set to represent Malawi.

All selected players earned their spots after emerging as champions in the national league held three months ago.

Other Sports, Sports

Mpilo Mizere for Malawi’s chess association presidency

Richard Kayenda
Mpilo Mizere: I will make Malawi a chess playing nation

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Veteran chess player, Mpilo Mizere is eyeing for the top position of Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) presidency as the body goes to its
elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) this Saturday October 15, 2022 at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

According to nomination list Chessam outgoing secretary Leonard Sharra shared, Mizere will face Francis Kankhwala for the top position.

The incumbent president Susan Namangale is not seeking another term of office during the association’s elective AGM following her attainment of the first woman president of the International Chess Federation (Fide) Zone 4.5 in August during the elections held in Chennai, India this year.

Speaking in an interview, Mizere disclosed that upon being elected as Chessam president he will make Malawi a chess playing nation.

“My mission is to ensure that all demographic groups in Malawi and all Fide recognized categories are actively engaged in all chess tournaments in all districts affiliated to existing regional bodies.

“My plan is to build on the foundations of the past to secure the future. Projects such as Chess in Schools will be maintained and improved,” he said.

Mizere added that many countries in the SADC region such as Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa have produced International Masters and Grand Masters but that is not the case with Malawi.

“It is time for Malawi to produce its first International Master and Grand Master. My administration will identify a maximum of four people at a time (two males and two females) and enroll them in the Grand Master project. 

“We will provide them with the required financial assistance to be attending international tournaments and facilitate training and coaching for them to become the country’s first Grand Master and International Master within the next four years,” he said.

His competitor, Kankhwala said his manifesto centres on bringing more sponsors to the sport.

Kankhwala said: ” We need the corporate world into the sport. Once elected as Chessam president, that will be my main agenda.”

Nomination of candidates closed on October 1, 2022.

Other names appearing on the nomination lists including Moses Mtumbuka and Francis Kudzula on the vice president position.

Alfred Chimthere will face Gift Howahowa Selemani on the General Secretary position.

The Treasurer General position has Jonathan Ibrahim and Khama Chindole.

The position of Publicity Secretary has Franscico Mwangupili and Wadza Otomani.

According to rules governing Chessam, those persons contesting for any position at the AGM must have a minimum academic qualification of a Malawi School Certificate of Education; be an active member of a League or Zone or must hold a position either in Chessam or a League; and have fully paid his annual membership fees.

Malawi, Other Sports, Sports

The Malawi Chess Open, cometh!

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-All chess roads lead to Riverside Hotel for the 2022 Malawi Chess Open tournament which opened on June 9 to 12, in Lilongwe.

The Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) President, Susan Namangale says: “The registration of participants has been completed and so far 60 players are in the hut”.

Alfred Chimthere, one of Malawi’s chess player giants

The four categories at the tournament are; the Open section, Ladies section, Youth section and Veterans section.

The World Chess Federation (FIDE) dropped a two thousand dollar grant after being satisfied with CHESSAM’s proposal to host the three-day tournament.

The National chess team players comprising National champion, Fide Master Joseph Mwale will use this competition as part of their preparation for the World Chess Olympiad scheduled for Chennai, India next month.

The list of international players in the Open section includes four Zambians namely: Geoffrey Lwanja, Dennis Mwape, William Mwape and Chrispin Shankanga.

However, the National Ladies champion, Priyasha Shriyan will miss the event since she is on holiday abroad.

In the Youth category, the players to watch are Titus Saka, a student at Chipasula secondary school who is the National Under 18 champion, and Trintance Kapalamula of Lilongwe Demonstration primary school who is the National Under 14 girls champion.

The Youths are also preparing for the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) slated for July 2 to 10 in Lusaka, Zambia.

Also, the former CHESSAM President and current Africa Chess Confederation (ACC) Secretary General, Kezzie Msukwa and Joseph’s (National champion) dad, Mr Ackim Mwale will be exciting to watch in the veterans section.

There will be various prizes including cash, trophies and medals for the winners. Furthermore, the Corporate World and other sponsors are still welcome to spoil our chess athletes.

The tournament Arbiters are International Arbiter Gilton Mkumbwa who will be assisted by Leonard M’bwana.