Zambia's Linda Nangwale featured on cover on U.S. Chess Life!

Zambia

Linda Nangwale has been a promising star in Zambian chess, but in the last Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia, she received a tremendous amount of  attention for her colorful locks. In a very interesting interview by WIM Jennifer Shahade, the 21-year old Nangwale stated,

"Before the tournament, I had my hair braided in the colors of the Zambian flag. I have been asked to give interviews on TV and for magazine as a result of this hair. Even famous chess players compliment it."

Currently the Zambian women's champion,  got a performance rating of 2139 while playing board #2. In the article, she heaped fulsome praise on national star,
IM Amon Simutowe stating that he "has been a source of inspiration for chess in Zambia." One does not have to go very far to find this to be true as the Zambian Chess Federation has benefited from the strong leadership of Lewis Ncube, now the  FIDE President for Zone 4.3.

Zambia's Linda Nangwale on the cover of March 2003 Chess Life magazine.

Linda Nangwale featured on cover of March 2003 U.S. Chess Life (top left).

The climate for Zambian chess seems to be taking off and Nangwale has played a role in this. She teaches young girls in the Zambian schools and is considered a role model in the community. She will not be forgotten for the role she has played in helping to build the next generation of Zambian chess players. One thing is certain… she will not be forgotten for her presence in the 2002 Olympiad in Bled!  In the age interesting hair styles among sports figures, chess has  turned the page in this realm.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 20 February 2003

Zambia's Linda Nangwale in action at the 2002 Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia.

Linda Nangwale at the 2002 Olympiad in Bled, Slovenia