Chess excellence celebrated
The second Bank Windhoek Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) awards took place in Windhoek last week, where the National Chess League 2024 trophy was awarded to Zandell Chess Academy.Bank Windhoek Grand Prix 2024 Bronze junior winner Reuben Petrus, who plays for Regicide Chess Club, said he looks forward to becoming a better chess player by playing chess puzzles and attending lessons with his coach.
Other NCF winners are Dante Beukes as Best International Participant, Tjongarero Vandovaua as Female Arbiter of the Year, and Tjiuhinatjo Tjongarero as Arbiter of the Year Open.
Speaking on behalf of the Zandell Chess Academy team, Jazzmo Kotze said that they participated in various championships hosted by the NCF throughout the year. “It has been challenging at times. This is our second year playing as a team, but overall, we have grown. Winning this award is a testament to our work. We always played against each other to attain individual awards. However, as we united, we managed to win as a team,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Bank Windhoek’s Audrey Mostert said the bank is committed to supporting chess and the NCF. “Between 2023 and 2024, the bank sponsored N$500 000 – the country’s most extensive support for chess yet. The sponsorship aims to provide resources for chess programmes, tournaments, and educational initiatives across Namibia.”
Mostert congratulated the NCF and participants for growing the sport in Namibia, saying, “As a proud Namibian bank, we aspire to empower youth with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of the future confidently. Let us join hands in promoting chess as a vehicle for the intellectual enrichment of our community, fostering a culture that values critical thinking, strategic planning, and numerical proficiency.”
NCF President Goodwill Khoa announced that Namibia qualified for the FIDE World Cup this year and encouraged Namibians to support the sport. “The federation has flag bearers who represent our country internationally. We are no longer only participating. We are competing.”
The event, sponsored by Bank Windhoek, celebrated and rewarded chess excellence for players, facilitators, coordinators, coaches and arbiters who showcased impressive skills throughout the 2023/24 season.