By Llywellenie Mpasa:
Limbe Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) has defended the open category title in the 2024 Nico Asset Managers National Schools Chess League (NSCL) while Atsikana Paulendo Secondary School clinched the inaugural girls’ crown.
The national finals, held at Blantyre Secondary School (BSS), saw Limbe CDSS from Blantyre emerging victorious with 12 points, narrowly edging out Lilongwe’s Bwaila Secondary School, which finished second with 11 points, and Chibavi CDSS of Mzuzu, in third place with 10 points.
Team Captain for Limbe CDSS, Blessings Phiri, said he was delighted with the victory.
- Advertisement -
“We are thrilled to have retained our championship. This is a testament to our hard work and team spirit,” he said.
- Advertisement -
In the girls’ category, Lilongwe’s Atsikana Paulendo emerged champions through a tie-breaking system after finishing level on 11 points with Chibavi.
Chikhwaza Secondary School of Mulanje took third place with 10 points.
Sharom Kapende, captain of Atsikana Paulendo, attributed their victory to rigorous preparations.
“This win is a result of our extra dedication during practice sessions. We are proud to have achieved this milestone,” she said.
- Advertisement -
Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) President, Mpilo Mizere, said their aim was to make Malawi a chess-playing nation.
“We envisage a nation where all demographics, from students to adults, actively participate in the game,” he said.
Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) President, Blackson Malamula, applauded the initiative.
“We are pleased that the competition is achieving its goal of nurturing talent from the grass roots level. It is a vital platform for identifying future champions,” he said.
Nico Holdings Corporate Affairs Manager, Mbumba Mlia- Ndasauka, sponsors of the competition, expressed satisfaction with the league’s growing competitiveness.
“We are happy with the quality of play and the enthusiasm displayed. Nico is committed to continuing its support for this event as it contributes to youth development,” she said.
Winners were rewarded with a variety of prizes, including school bags, medals, trophies, smartphones, smartwatches, notebooks and chess sets for their schools.
Director of Sports and Recreation at the Malawi National Council of Sports, Ivy Chinangwa, lauded the collective effort to promote chess.
“We commend all stakeholders for working together to develop chess in Malawi. Our commitment to uplifting minority sports across the nation remains strong,” she said.
