BY MPHATSO MALIDADI:
Former national ladies’ chess champion, Susan Namangale, has become the first individual to express interest in vying for Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) presidency during next month’s elections.
Namangale confirmed the development, saying she wants to build on the success of outgoing Chessam president Kezzie Msukwa.
“It is important that he leaves the association in capable hands. My vision is to see chess develop in all districts and ensure increased schools and ladies’ participation in chess. I will ensure that there are enough resources to uplift chess at the grass roots,” she said.
Namangale said, once voted into office, she would establish district zones to manage chess and empower more chess educators.
“I want to ensure that we support, at least, two or three more arbiters to attain the IA [International Arbiter] norm as well as train five assistant arbiters and pave the way for the formation of Arbiters’ Commission. I also look forward to ensuring that more national instructors are trained,” she said.
Namangale also promised to ensure that more women play chess.
“There are more women playing chess now than was the case in my time. I promise to encourage more women to play chess by ensuring that the women’s section for all tournaments has incentives such as reduced registration fees.
“I will also ensure that there is 30 percent of women representation in chess activities at zonal, league and national level. I pledge more schools’ tournaments and special funding for chess equipment in schools,” she said.
Namangale will likely face Gershom Chima, who is yet to openly declare his interest in the presidency.
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