Two Tanzanian chess players are in Maputo, Mozambique, representing the country at the inaugural Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Friends Chess Tournament.
The two-day tournament starts today, Friday, August 21, and concludes on Saturday. Tanzania is represented by Pasar Nasser and Neema Kisanga, who are accompanied by Tanzania Chess Association (TACA) President Geoffrey Mwanyika.
TACA Information Officer Mussa Mangula said the two players are well prepared and determined to perform strongly at the international competition.
“I have spoken to the players and they are ready for the tournament. Since this is the first edition to be held in Mozambique, they have promised to give their best and bring medals home,” Mangula said.
He added that Mwanyika will also participate in FIDE and other chess conferences and meetings scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the tournament.
Nasser and Kisanga earned their places in the national team following impressive performances at the previous National Chess Championships held in Dar es Salaam. They have also been training at Don Bosco Upanga Campus in preparation for the competition.
Nasser won the men’s category at the national championships, while Kisanga finished runner-up in the women’s category.
Mangula previously thanked the organisers, including the Mozambican Chess Federation and its partners, for inviting Tanzania to participate in the tournament.
The competition aims to promote the development and popularisation of chess among Portuguese-speaking countries and SADC member states while strengthening institutional, sporting and cultural cooperation among participating countries.
The tournament features a nine-round Rapid competition, with each player given 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move.
It will also include an 11-round Blitz competition, with a time control of three minutes plus a two-second increment.
Mangula said Tanzania’s participation reflects TACA’s continued efforts to promote competitive chess and provide local players with opportunities to gain valuable international experience.
For Nasser and Kisanga, the tournament offers an important platform to test their skills against international opponents while flying the Tanzanian flag on the regional chess stage.
