Kamati, Mumbula crowned Rundu Open champions
Chess
Grace Kamati and Shaun Mumbula were crowned champions of the women’s and Open sections at the Kavango East Chess Association’s Rundu Closing Chess Tournament last weekend.
The event marked the association’s final tournament for the 2025 season, attracting 18 players to Rundu Secondary School. Participants put their strategic skills to the test in a seven-round Swiss System competition for top honours.
Kamati, a learner at the hosting school, stormed to victory in the women’s section ahead of Sarusungu Combined School’s Rene Gariseb in second place and Claudia Kamina in third.
The Open section saw Mumbula, a student at the University of Namibia, dominate ahead of second-placed nurse Nicolaus Tjangano and Kapako Combined School principal Zefania Siwoko, who rounded out the podium in third.
Outstanding juniors were also recognised for their brilliance, with Paulus Likuwa from Rundu Secondary School claiming first place, followed by the Joaquim brothers from Sarusungu Combined School, Rafael and Catarino, in second and third, respectively.
Event organiser and Kavango East Chess chairperson Petrus Kawende expressed pride in the players’ performances.
“I believe if we have more training and learners participating, we will definitely achieve gold even at the international level,” he said.
Official approval
Kawende, who has long pushed for chess activities in the region despite some schools being hesitant to support his initiatives, was officially appointed by the Namibia Chess Federation as the region’s association chairperson in September.
He confirmed to Sport Wrap that Kavango East education director Christine Shilima has given him the green light, through the education and sports ministry, to host chess events at schools in the region. The decision followed a meeting with the director on 17 November.
“She [Shilima] has given us full permission to run chess events in the region. Therefore, from next year, schools are expected to support their learners in chess activities, including training organised by the association,” he said.
– [email protected]
The event marked the association’s final tournament for the 2025 season, attracting 18 players to Rundu Secondary School. Participants put their strategic skills to the test in a seven-round Swiss System competition for top honours.
Kamati, a learner at the hosting school, stormed to victory in the women’s section ahead of Sarusungu Combined School’s Rene Gariseb in second place and Claudia Kamina in third.
The Open section saw Mumbula, a student at the University of Namibia, dominate ahead of second-placed nurse Nicolaus Tjangano and Kapako Combined School principal Zefania Siwoko, who rounded out the podium in third.
Outstanding juniors were also recognised for their brilliance, with Paulus Likuwa from Rundu Secondary School claiming first place, followed by the Joaquim brothers from Sarusungu Combined School, Rafael and Catarino, in second and third, respectively.
Event organiser and Kavango East Chess chairperson Petrus Kawende expressed pride in the players’ performances.
“I believe if we have more training and learners participating, we will definitely achieve gold even at the international level,” he said.
Official approval
Kawende, who has long pushed for chess activities in the region despite some schools being hesitant to support his initiatives, was officially appointed by the Namibia Chess Federation as the region’s association chairperson in September.
He confirmed to Sport Wrap that Kavango East education director Christine Shilima has given him the green light, through the education and sports ministry, to host chess events at schools in the region. The decision followed a meeting with the director on 17 November.
“She [Shilima] has given us full permission to run chess events in the region. Therefore, from next year, schools are expected to support their learners in chess activities, including training organised by the association,” he said.
– [email protected]
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