By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
THE Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) has disowned Kharika Phiri, who recently issued a statement on behalf of the federation, questioning the Sports Council of Zambia’s (SCZ) capability of disciplining any of its officials found wanting in audit queries.
CFZ president, Yohane Mukabe said in a statement yesterday that Phiri was purporting to be an official in the federation when he was infact not.
Mukabe said according to  the records, the Zone Three where Phiri was purporting to be vice president, had not been affiliated with the CFZ in the last two years.
He further distanced the federation from Phiri’s comments against SCZ.
“The CFZ has its official channel of communication and only the president, the national secretary and chairpersons of sub-committees can issue statements on behalf of the federation,” Mukabe said.
Meanwhile, The CFZ president has announced that three countries Zimbabwe, Botswana and Malawi have so far confirmed participation in the 2014 Zambia Chess Open Championship billed for October 22 to 28 at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka.
The tournament comes back after a five-year absence and has a K10, 000 top prize, which is unprecedented in the history of chess in the country.
“We are still waiting for confirmation from Namibia, Angola and South Africa and the federation is expecting over 100 players to participate in the tournament and equipment for the tournament is in place.
“On the date of the tournament, all logistical arrangements will be in place including emergency and first aid response teams,” he said.