Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) president has revealed that 36 players have qualified have qualified to the FIDE 2023 African Youth Chess Championships slated for Egypt.

Speaking during the Zambian Youth Chess Team Fundraiser, CFZ president Lesley Chikuse stated that the players qualified for the continental games after competing in the National Championship.

Chikuse said the Federation is in need of about K1.3 million for its preparations and participation in the African champions in Egypt in September 2023.

Chikuse has called on the corporates and the fundraising team to continue supporting the federation so that it can implement its programmes that give the young players an opportunity to showcase their competitive ability and career development.

And in a speech read on her behalf of the coordinator of the Zambian Youth Chess Team Fundraiser Corporates Initiative, GreenCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ana Hajduka described the game of chess as a beacon of light that offers a transformative journey for those to play the game.

Hajduka said for the Zambian youth, chess is not just a game; it is a gateway to a brighter future as it enables them to discover the strength of their minds, the resilience within their spirits, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Hajduka notes that the Zambian youth chess team faces numerous hurdles such as Travel expenses, tournament fees, and coaching fees that threaten to dim the brilliance of their potential.

The Zambian Youth Chess Team Fundraiser, is a group of corporate bodies, aimed at transforming lives and illuminating a path of opportunities for talented young chess players. These corporations include: Absa Bank, Zamex Ventures, GreenCo Power Services Limited, Yalelo, Landsworth, Castlebet, Invest Trust Bank, Longcliffe Quarries and Jewel of Africa.

The Fundraiser has so far raised about K300 000 which will go towards the team’s preparations and participation.