Latest Chess News from Namibia: Junior Championship Selections Held

12th Women's World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk's Chess Blog for Latest Chess News and Trivia (c) 2013

Hi everyone, 

The Namibia Chess Federation in collaboration with Pro-Ed Akademie hosted a successful open chess tournament on the 29th of June at the Swakopmund Town Hall where over 250 junior chess players from all around the country participated. The tournament comprised of 7 different age groups of under 8 to under 20 juniors chess players from all over the country. Boys and girls from schools and towns as far as Rosh Pinah and Keetmanshoop came in numbers to part-take in the annual tournament. 

The top 10 of each age group qualified to participate in a closed (invitation only) tournament to be held in the capital in two weeks time. The one day long tournament kicked of on Saturday morning with short speeches by the deputy major of Swakopmund, Councillor Louise Madi, the school principal of Pro-Ed Akademie, Mr. Globberlaar and the NCF President, Otto Nakapunda.

The Swakopmund Town Hall nearly filled to the brim as parents, coaches, school teachers and chess enthusiast watched on in amazement as the junior players battled it out for 7 rounds straight. The winners emerged in each age group taking home cash prizes and certificates sponsored by different individuals and business in from Swakopmund. This was only the second time that the junior tournament was hosted outside Windhoek and it remarkably managed to attract a record number of participants.

The newly elected NCF Exco hopes to have the highly anticipated tournament hosted in other towns around the country to help promote the sport and to have more schools sending learners to take part in this fun filled national junior tournament.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
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Namibia Football Star Brave Warriors' former Goalie Athiel Mbaha takes to Chess

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

So, let's hear what's more exciting: Chess or Football! News reports from Namibia state former Brave Warriors' goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha has started playing chess! After becoming Namibia's first ever professional deaf footballer, Mbaha has also called the hearing impaired to make the best of their talent.

After a fulfilling career as a full-time goalkeeper with MTC Premiership Tigers, the 37-year-old former African Stars, Orlando Pirates, Ramblers, Blue Waters, Black Leopards (SA) and Maritzburg United (SA) footballer has now gone professional with chess playing for the Herero Mall Chess Club in the highly competitive Namsports Premier Chess League (PCL).

Mbaha, who was part of the Brave Warriors squad that participated in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted by Ghana, has so far played two games for his club and has won them both. He is said to be a quick thinker and possesses deadly moves that often leave his opponents chewing on their nails out of sheer frustration.

Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) president Otto Nakapunda expressed excitement with Mbaha joining the premier chess league, saying he has already done it in football and will surely succeed in inspiring the deaf community to come out and enjoy their God-given talents through the premier chess league.

"Since our league is still at its infant stage, Mbaha will most definitely add value to the league and will also serve as an inspiration to other deaf individuals who want to excel in sports, but lack that much needed boost to come out. We would also like to encourage other deaf individuals to join the chess league and realise their true potential," said Nakapunda.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com

Don't miss Chess Queen™

YouTube Channel