Chess concludes on a highCode still requires more funding for growth The Namibia Chess Federation successfully concluded its league activities earlier this week, but said a lack of funding was hampering further growth. The Premier League and First Division chess clubs held the final round of matches on Monday to mark the conclusion of the 2016 chess season in Namibia.Having started in early June, the season had two legs played by the 20 clubs (10 in each division) registered with the Namibia Chess Federation (NCF).
Speaking to Nampa on the sidelines of the final matches on Monday, league administrator Max Nitzborn said Namibian chess players learn and play at a certain standard.
“We are following the international rules of chess as set by the International Chess Federation. Four players are allowed to play on match days and Capablanca Chess Club has already won this year''s competition.”
This is the fourth year that they are holding an event of such magnitude.
Capablanca are the defending champions and have dominated the Premier League competition since its inception, winning all three previous tournaments.
Nitzborn said they are using this tournament to nurture future chess players, hence the active participation of young players from various chess academies in the capital.
“They shine in Namibia but struggle when they venture out of Namibia. If they play regularly here it helps them gain experience and builds their confidence and mental strength.”
Nitzborn said chess is a sport that helps keep the mind active.
“It teaches one a lot of discipline and decision-making. It helps a lot with time management.”
Two school-going chess players said they benefit a lot when playing chess.
“My concentration levels have improved at school since I started playing chess. I used to struggle a lot at school, but now I am doing well with all my school work,” said Keisha van Wyk.
Ditshaba Jane said the sport has helped her in various school subjects.
“Chess has helped me, especially with mathematics. I am enjoying the subject more at school compared to before I started playing chess.”
The NCF held a number of local competitions this year in Swakopmund, Arandis, Omaruru, Otjiwarongo and Windhoek, with a junior team taking part in a tournament in South Africa.
Lack of sponsorship is stalling development following the withdrawal of Telecom Namibia and NamSports that took care of the previous three tournaments.
Final Log Standing Premier League:
1. Capablanca
2. Checkmate
3. Gunther Husselmann
4. 3D Grand Monsters
5. ChessMasters
6. Nust U-Knighted
7. The Weekend Chess Academy
8. Incredible Knights
9. Indomitable Knights
10. Zandell Chess Academy
Final Log Standing First Division:
1. Jan Mohr
2. Kings U-Knighted Chess Academy
3. Unam Titans
4. Herero Mall
5. Rubinstein
6. Queens United
7. The Kings
8. TWCA Towering Rooks
9. NamPol
10. Centre Chess Academy
NAMPA