Ilala Crest Chess League turns national

Chess stars who wear crowns in the Northern Region (NR) Ilala Crest Chess League must brace up for tough times as stakes in their K30 000 (about $120) tournament are now up for grabs at the national level.

Teams from the South and Centre have now also been included in the league.

The development follows a sponsorship drought that has hit the South after its long-time sponsor Rab Processors dumped them whereas the Centre has had no sponsorship all along.

Ilala Crest Chess League chairperson Isaac Mumba confirmed the news in an interview on Friday.

“Yes, we have accommodated them. Stars from the visiting regions will help to increase competition in the league,” said Mumba referring to Chiletso Chipanga of the South and Joseph Mwale of the Centre.

But Mumba was on the defensive when asked if they will reap anything considering that the sponsorship amount is small and that they have played second fiddle to visiting teams for a long time.

“No way! We will take them head on! We do not fear them. They, too, will appreciate the competition we will give them,” said Mumba.

Apparently, Mumba was referring to their own stars Sam Nkhwazi and Linda Jambo.

Southern Region Chess League secretary Gilton Mkumbwa, who is also the Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) general secretary, confirmed on Friday that they are heading North after being inactive for a long time. Mkumbwa said they are not after money, but to keep fit after being idle for so long.

Central Region Chess League secretary Leonard Sharra could not be reached for comment,

Meanwhile, Mumba has announced that the Ilala league will start on August 25.