. Sata

By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA  –
JUSTICE Deputy Minister Justice Keith Mukata and Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata are among the prominent players who have signed up to compete in the Golden Jubilee Veterans’ and Ladies Chess Gala next month.
According to an updated list of players taking part in the tournament, Mukata, who is also the Chilanga Member of Parliament (MP), as well as the Sata, who is also the Kabulonga Ward Councilor, have indicated their interest to be part of the tournament.
Tournament organiser Nolias Kalinga said yesterday that there were a lot of veteran players who had signed up for the fundraiser which would be held at the Chrismar Hotel in Lusaka on October 4.
“Preparations for the Golden Jubilee Veterans and Ladies Chess Gala are progressing well, so far we have had His Worship the Mayor of Lusaka Mulenga Sata and Honorable Keith Mukata, the Deputy Minister of Justice confirming that they will be part of the tournament,” he said.
Kalinga said organisers have enjoyed good support from sponsors who have come on board to help like. Sponsors like Euro-Africa Bus Services are funding the first prize which is a weekend for two to Mfuwe in the South Luangwa National Park.
“We also have had two veteran chess players teaming up to sponsor the cocktail. We are appealing to more companies and individuals to come on board and assist the organising committee to raise the remaining 40 per cent of the budget,” he said.
Kalinga, a former Chess federation of Zambia (CFZ) executive member, was hopeful that the tournament would be a success so that the money to be raised goes towards the development of chess in the country.
The committee announced last week that they had met 60 per cent of the K60,000 needed for the tournament. Apart from the first prize weekend for two to Mfuwe, the organisers are also dangling a weekend for two in Livingstone comprising air tickets, accommodation for two nights and meals plus a chess set.
The third prize would be a 42-inch Samsung flat screen television set and a chess set while a four-month subscription for DStv and a chess set is for the fourth place finisher.
Kalinga also announced that the best placed lady will walk home with 42-inch Samsung flat screen television set and a chess set with the second best lady player receiving DStv’s four-month premium subscription and a chess set.
He said that many more veteran chess players have confirmed that they will participate in the tournament among them Webster Kafumbwe (International Arbiter), Spyros Kafunda and Bristol Sikazwe.
Others are Moses Kalapizya, Mwaka Moonga, Munalu Mate, Joy Mtine (former CFZ vice-president), McGerald Mvula, Danny Mumba, Bright Mulonga, Brenda Mumba and the former CFZ Treasurer Moses Zimba.