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The African Junior Championship has traditionally attracted Africa's brightest young stars. On the tap for this year's event are players from several African countries including two from the host country of Zambia. The event begins December 1st and will last until December 12th. The venue will be the Commonwealth Youth Programme Centre on the campus of the University of Zambia. When The Chess Drum asked about the field, Lewis Ncube, the Chief Organizer and President of the Zambian Chess Federation states:
"From the list of confirmed participants, the favourite is IM Robert Gwaze who is a previous holder of the title. His win in 1998 was followed by back-to-back victories (1999 & 2000) for the local favourite, IM Amon Simutowe. The other players to watch are Egypt's Ahmed Adly, Zambia's Joseph Phiri and Botswana's Ignatious Njobvu (a Zambian-born player resident in Botswana). The dark horses likely to cause upset are Zimbabwe's Dion Moyo and Zambia's Costa Bunda."
At press time , Mr. Ncube is waiting for confirmation of participants from Angola and Nigeria's Bala Salihu. Defending champion IM Amon Simutowe will not participate this year as he is recovering from his participation in the World Championships in Moscow, Russia. Perhaps a new star will emerge from the African continent. It was this tournament that led to the rise in prominence of Africa's brightest star, IM Simutowe. Who will it be this year? Stay tuned for details!
The Chess Federation of Zambia
Attention: Mr. Lewis Ncube, President
P.O. Box 32133
Lusaka, Zambia
lmncube@zamnet.zm
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