Limbe Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) on Saturday defended the Nico Asset Managers National Schools Chess League (NSCL) open category title while Atsikana Paulendo Private Secondary School claimed inaugural girls’ crown in Blantyre.
During the national finals, Limbe CDSS exuded class as they remained unbeaten in six rounds to retain the ultimate glory with 12 points, a point ahead of runners-up Lilongwe’s Bwaila Secondary School and two points in front of third-placed Chibavi CDSS of Mzuzu.
Limbe CDSS team captain Blessings Phiri, Lucky Chisinga, Robert Sheriff and Quinton Gomani registered four wins and two draws to walk away with a trophy and various prizes, including Nico-branded chess sets.
Phiri attributed their success to thorough preparations ahead of the competition.
“We knew pressure would be on us as defending champions and we prepared well both mentally and physically. It was not easy to defend the title, but we were determined to defend the trophy,” he said.
In the inaugural girls’ division, Atsikana Paulendo of Lilongwe emerged victorious after being favoured by a Buchholz tie-breaking system following a tie on 11 points with second-placed Chibavi. Chikhwaza Secondary School of Mulanje finished third with 10 points.
Atsikana Paulendo team comprising captain Shalom Kapende, Monica Beyard, Cynthia Libana, Faith M’bwana and Tadala Maliha, set their journey to success with three wins, two draws and a win.
Chess Association of Malawi president Mpilo Mizere and Malawi Schools Sports Association president Blackson Malamula said they were happy that the competition’s objective of nurturing talent from the grassroots was achieved.
Nico Holdings plc corporate affairs manager Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka said they were satisfied with the competitive spirit of the league and pledged continued sponsorship.
“As Nico, our motto is ‘Invest Today for Tomorrow’ and this augurs well with this competition, which nurtures future talents and leaders. Next year, we will be back bigger and better,” she said.
Malawi National Council of Sports development and recreation director Ivy Kondowe-Chinangwa, who was the guest of honour, thanked Nico Asset Managers and Chessam for promoting the mental sport from the grassroots.
