MINISTER URGED TO PRIORITISE CHESS

MBABANE – Renowned Grandmaster Nigel Short from the United Kingdom (UK) has urged the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, to prioritise chess in the country.

The respected grandmaster said this in yesterday’s brief media discussion at Mountain View Hotel ahead of this afternoon’s fundraiser for the upcoming International Chess Open tournament, scheduled for the second week of December at the same hotel.

“I think one of the areas that the minister should look at is chess. There should be more rated tournaments in the country for the sport to improve. I honestly believe for such a country with a small population, if the minister can try to take chess as a sport that an individual can make a living with, we can see more people in Eswatini wanting to play the sport and by that way more talented players can be unleashed,” he said.

Potential

The renowned chess player emphasised that Eswatini had the potential to become a major player in the region in terms of chess. “I believe that if more resources are invested in the country’s chess federation, it could pave the way for greater success and competitiveness. I believe that with the right support and infrastructure, Eswatini could produce some of the best chess players in the region, and even in the world,” he added.

Meanwhile Eswatini Chess Federation (ECF) Secretary General (SG), Qiniso Matsebula, said as a federation, they were thrilled to host a special chess fundraiser, event featuring the renowned grandmaster from the UK. Matsebula revealed that the event would serve as a fundraiser for the upcoming International Chess Open tournament, scheduled for the second week of December. Additionally, Short will deliver a strategy power talk, providing insightful knowledge and advice to chess enthusiasts

“We are honoured to have Grandmaster Nigel Short joining us for this special event. His expertise and experience in the world of chess will undoubtedly provide valuable inspiration and knowledge to all those in attendance,” he said.
Matsebula further emphasised that the chess fundraiser was promising to be an inspiring and engaging event. He encouraged business owners, executives, and aspiring professionals to attend the event and support the growth of the chess community in Eswatini. For more information about the chess fundraiser and to RSVP for the event, please contact 7613 6783 (president) or 7902 5871 (SG) you may also drop an email on swazichess@gmail.com.

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