Jungle Pepper Kids Chess tourney returns

After six months in hibernation, Jungle Pepper Kids Chess Tournament returns this week at Chichiri Shopping Mall in Blantyre with a financial boost from chess fanatics Susan Namangale and a Mrs. Chafumuka.

The two have pumped in K100 000 into the competition that sees Jungle Pepper providing venue and individual prizes.

According to Jungle Pepper Chess chief instructor Joseph Chalemba, the coming in of the two additional sponsors will not only boost the event but also help to raise the profile of the mental sport in the country.

“We salute the two ladies for this kind gesture. It is something that will assist us to raise the profile of the game. We are very grateful for the support,” he said.

Since the inaugural event over a year ago, Jungle Pepper Chess has brought and nurtured at least 80 children within the age range of five and 15 from the beginners stage to advanced level and a third of which are playing advanced chess.

Kharan Khatri and Tafadzwa Linje won the competition twice each in the advanced category while Khwima Gondwe is the current champion.

In the beginners section, South End Primary School pupil Mitchele Chimbe is the reigning champion.

During the contest on June 27, Chimbe is expected to guard the crown against contenders such as Daisy Huwa, Joel Chikwiri, Caleb Msonda, Wil Phoso, Troy Namaona, Tiyamike Namaona who have now mastered the jargons of the game.

The likes of David Mkomba, Rafik Namangale, Allen Namangale, Yebo Sanga, Mirabelle Chafumuka and Eugene Mkandawire are set to wrestle the glory from Gondwe in the advanced category. Each contestant will pay K1 000 participation fee. n