Kavango East schools compete for national qualification
The Kavango East Chess Association, formerly known as Zone Eight, recently hosted its Individual Schools Chess Championship at Rundu Secondary School.
The event attracted 58 players who competed across the U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U17 and U19 Open and girls’ sections.
Players battled it out for medals and a chance to finish among the top three and represent the region at the national championships in Windhoek this May.
In the U19 Open section, Manuel David of Angelina Matumbo Ribebe Secondary School secured the gold medal, followed by schoolmates Petrus Sahungwa and Lingando Sevelinus, who claimed silver and bronze, respectively.
In the U19 girls’ section, Likoro Annafrieda of Rundu Secondary School won gold ahead of schoolmates Kamati Grace, who took silver, and Kavhura Stephania, who claimed bronze.
Other outstanding achievements
U17 Open: 1 Liswani Machana (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 2 Likuwa Paulus (Rundu Secondary School), 3 Katanga Jafet (Rundu Secondary School).
U17 girls: 1 Shifafure Jacinta (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 2 Miaso Linda (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 3 Shikukutu Saraphine (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe).
U15 Open: 1 Manuel Elias (Jafet Haiyambo Primary School), 2 Hamupembe George (Sarusungu Combined School), 3 Joseph Kandjimi (Golden View Private School).
U15 girls: 1 Siwombe Elizabeth (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 2 Sikeso Vieno (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 3 Mandjoro Ferlisia (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe).
U13 Open: 1 Mehera Mathew (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 2 Kambinda Herman (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 3 Marungu Andreas (Jafet Haiyambo).
U13 girls: 1 Dingara Theophilia (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 2 Kushokosha Bonifasia (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe), 3 Dinyando Gabriella (Angelina Matumbo Ribebe).
U11 Open: 1 Kasius Kandjimi (Treehouse Academy), 2 Nongava Bernardo (Treehouse Academy), 3 Jason Sekupe (Treehouse Academy).
There were no entries for the U11 girls’ section.
U9 girls: 1 Chamel Esterhuizen (Treehouse Academy) (sole participant).
There were no entries for the U9 boys’ section.
U7 girls: 1 Mira Kalunda (Treehouse Academy) (sole participant).
There were no entries for the U7 boys’ section.
Introducing chess to West region
Kavango East chess chairperson Petrus Kawende said the association is now working to introduce chess to the Kavango West region and has scheduled a tournament there this Saturday at Kandjimi Murangi Secondary School.
“We are trying to introduce chess in the Kavango West region as well, and we are starting from zero, as we do not know anyone or a school that can help us.
“We are expecting resistance from that region as we have not yet received permission from the regional office, but we have written to the director, Pontianus Musore,” he said.
