AYCC offers top prospects crucial season prep

Namibia’s top chess prospects gained invaluable experience at the recently concluded African Youth Chess Championships (AYCC) in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The tournament brought together over 500 budding chess prodigies from 18 African countries, with the International Chess Federation (Fide) reporting that this edition was one of the largest in AYCC history.

Namibia fielded a contingent of 16 players competing across age categories from U8 to U18. The team was accompanied by Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) secretary general Lloyd Diën as head of delegation, alongside NCF president Berdian Beukes.

The players in each age category were:

• U18: Stefan Becker, Trevor Tala-Omwene Tjitavi Karipi

• U16: Amoricha Boois, Fidel Shikupe

• U14: Mathew Cohen Kasonde

• U12: James Diën, Johannes Christiaan Cronje, Fidel Boois, Shadah Uanguta

• U10: Frederick Cronje, Firmino Johannes, Iyaloo Hamutumwa, Toini Tuakula Lesheni Shikongo

• U8: Zera Shalom Peneyambeko Ikosa, Alexa Yambeko Rukudzo Mapira, Samuel Johan Binneman

Although the Namibian players did not reach the podium, the AYCC provided a vital platform to gain competitive experience and prepare for the demanding junior chess season ahead, which opens with the national junior championships on 7 February.

Some of the standout players to watch at the nationals include the Cronje brothers, Binneman, Uanguta, Diën, Ikosa and Mapira, who distinguished themselves at Africa’s premier event for developing young talent.

‘Invest in young talent’

Reflecting on the team’s performance at the AYCC, head of delegation Diën was satisfied with the players’ fighting spirit, commitment and sportsmanship, which he said provide a strong foundation for future African and international competitions.

“We are pleased with the performances displayed by our young athletes across all age categories, particularly considering the strength and depth of competition at the continental level,” he said.

Diën also highlighted the broader growth of chess in the country, noting the steady development of talent through the ranks.

“[This progress] gives us confidence that we are moving in the right direction. We are further encouraged by the commitment shown by our players, parents and all support structures,” he said.

“As a federation, we are excited about the future of Namibian chess and remain committed to investing in young talent by strengthening development pathways and increasing exposure for the athletes.”

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