The K100 000 (about $250) Northern Region draughts tournament starts in Mzuzu this Saturday, one of the competition’s organisers Wakisa Mweneghama told The Nation on Monday.
In an interview, Mweneghama, who is treasurer of the group, said apart from the venue which is yet to be confirmed, all is set.
“Right now I am coming from Mzimba where I watched players at district level battle for the regional finals on January 25,” said Mweneghama.
He said they are talking to Mzuzu Stadium and Katoto Secondary School to use their venues.
Meanwhile, names of qualifying players The Nation sourced and confirmed by the Northern Region Draughts Association are Kondwani Mlayira, Israel Kabanga and Joseph Gondwe (Karonga); Alastian Gondwe, Isaiah Kumwenda, Ernest Kawonga and Limbani Mbewe (Rumphi) and Prince Mkandawire, Amon Phiri and Emmanuel Chisale (Mzimba).
While the three districts will contribute three or four players each, Mweneghama said Mzuzu will have the lion’s share of 15 players.
Mweneghama defended the association’s choice of players, saying logistically they are safe and manageable as most of them are from within Mzuzu city.
Meanwhile, the competition is expected to be tough as last year’s winner in the Mzuzu Uncle Jose tournament, Isaac Nyirongo, and his runner-up, Vitumbiko Mhone, are both promising fireworks.
