Chess star launches online academy
Malawi’s highest rated chess player Joseph Mwale has launched an online academy to identify and groom youngsters.
The South Africa based player said the initiative started on July 2 and over 20 players are attending tutorials through google.
“I established the academy to produce top players for Malawi. I have been grooming chess players in South Africa for over six years. So I thought it wise to use what I have learnt here [South Africa] to sharpen home talent,” he said.
“The academy operates on google meet at 5pm on Thursdays and Sundays. For a start, we settled for online classes due to Covid-19 pandemic. But once the situation normalises we will also be having physical lessons. For youngsters, we are targeting those that are aged four to 20 years whereas for ladies we are accommodating all age groups.”
Mwale, who shocked the country after defying odds to win his first ever national championship at 13 years in 2007, said the academy will also have structures across the nation for physical lessons.
“Our plan is to have proper offices in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu for starters. It is a big dream to officially have offices but it requires a lot of money. Nevertheless, step by step we will get there,” he said.
Mwale has teamed up with his brother George, chess star Petros Mfune and South African player Tshediso Mpya to run the academy. Both Mfune and George are Candidate Masters.
He said the academy has already produced the likes of Madalitso Khanyela who has made it into Malawi Ladies chess team. Mwale also singled out eight year-old star Kuzika Mkandawire and Australia based Racheal and Ian Kamanga as some of the products.
“All these talents whom we never knew. Now we are looking forward to get beginners from the scratch and make them masters. Those interested to join can contact me,” he said.
