On Sunday October 16, Chess fans in the country witnessed the crowning of a new league champion at Hotel Africana after four years of Dmark’s dominance.
Kireka Chess Club smashed Dmark 4-1 in the final round of the campaign to emerge 2016 league winners, with emphatic wins for Fide Master [FM] Harold Wanyama, Belgian Denyl Serge and Shakira Ampaire making a huge difference.
According to Kireka’s captain Ivan Kaddu, the feat was achieved through hard work, motivation and the belief within the team.
“We have worked hard for this,” Kaddu who played only once this season told Kawowo Sports after the crowning ceremony. “We worked hard as a team and kept encouraging each other, even when one of us lost, we would not lose hope. We had that belief we could make it this time. Here we are now,” added a delighted Kaddu.
Kireka entered the round in need of a win to end their long wait for success. International Master [IM] Arthur Ssegwanyi provided Wanyama -a lowly rated of the two- opposition on board one as FMs Haruna Nsubuga and Patrick Kawuma met on board two.
Board three saw Simon Gonza face off against Walter Okas, Serge -a surprise weapon- against Benjamin Magana on board four and Ampaire completed the lineup against Stella Nabasitu.
“We were very calm, collected and confident before the games. Our only worry was on board one because we were not sure of it.
“We were super confident our girl would win her game but we knew they were going to revise her style of play so we decided to change tactics. We told her to attack using a different style and thats exactly what she did. Her opponent was lost in the game and totally confused.”
On why Edgar Ntende- board four silver medalist- didnt play and why they decided to field Serge who hadnt played a game this season, Kaddu said: “We wanted to surprise them so we used someone they hardly know and it paid off.”
Serge beat his board four opponent Magana to help his team win the league.
