Overview:
The setbacks experienced at the 2023 African Games will now be treated as a warm up & a preparatory phase for the grandest of chess events in Africa.
The Uganda’s two representatives in the game of chess at the 13th African Games hosted by Ghana FM Harold Wanyama and Peninah Nakabo narrowly missed appearence on the medal podium.
After a great start in the earlier rounds, the team failed to pounce the opposition in the subsequent rounds of the Rapids and Blitz championships.
FM Wanyama, a strong contender in the individual rapids, blasted his opponents apart to enter the final round in a clear second position.
He only needed a victory would have secured him a gold or silver medal, while even a draw would have earned him a bronze or silver.
However, in a moment of unfortunate miscalculation, he squandered an equal position and lost the game to IM Arab Adlane of Algeria.
Similarly, in the individual rapids women’s category, Peninah Nakabo, who had led the event for several rounds, found herself needing just one win in the final two rounds to secure a podium finish.
In a crucial match against joint leader Wafa Shahenda from Egypt, Nakabo suffered a defeat, and in the last round, she lost a winning position against Sasha Mongeli, ultimately ending her campaign without a medal.
During the final game of the tournament (Mixed Team blitz), Uganda on table two again failed to overcome Algeria further adding to the gloom of the expectant Uganda Chess community.
“The difficulties faced by FM Harold Wanyama and Peninah Nakabo served as valuable lessons for the team and the entire chess community in Uganda. The setbacks experienced at the 2023 African Games will now be treated as a warm up & a preparatory phase for the grandest of chess events in Africa.” noted Emmanuel Mwaka, president of Uganda Chess Federation.
Egypt won gold in the team Rapids event. Algeria settled for silver and the islanders Madagascar took bronze.
The upcoming 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship, which also serves as a qualifying event for the World Cup.
Uganda’s representation in the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship is expected to be a little light weight, with only two out of a possible ten players participating.
Despite efforts to gather a full team, securing additional player’s facilitation has proven challenging and fruitless.
Nevertheless, the team remains determined to compete and attempt to make their mark in the championship.
Safinah Mugide joined FM Wanyama and Nakabo as they embark on their quest for the African title.
The championship will take place from Tuesday, 12th March to 21st March in Accra city, Ghana.March 12th to March 21st, 2024.