Eleven primary school pupils will participate in the seniors category of the Southern Region Presidential Initiative on Sports (PIS) Chess Championship at St Andrew’s International High School in Blantyre this Saturday.
Male pupils Yewo Sanga, David Mkomba, Happiness Masuku, Chiyembekezo Chilembwe, Dumisani Maweja, Rafik Namangale and Quinton Mkhwapa were supposed to contest in the juniors’ category alongside female pupils Michelle Chimbe, Mirabelle Chafumuka, Daisy Huwa and Nagawa Gwala.
The 11 have high chances of progressing to the national finals if they contest in the juniors category, however, they have opted for a tougher challenge in the seniors section.
“It is really a gamble to contest in the secondary school section, but I do not care whether I will manage to qualify for the national finals. To me, what matters most is to face tougher opponents so as to improve my game. I am ready for the challenge,” said Namangale.
According to Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) schools coordinator Margaret Ngugama, the 11 primary school pupils will battle against over 40 secondary school students from Likangala, Zomba Catholic, St Patrick’s Academy, Joyce Banda Foundation, Chisapi, Jacaranda, Army and Kalibu Academy.
Six boys and the same number of girls will qualify for the national finals scheduled from May 14-16 in Lilongwe.
