ZCAS' FIRST CHESS CLUB

 

In a recent interview, ZCAS-M.I.T sat down with the Founder and Chairperson of the newly formed ZCAS Chess club, Immanuel Sitwala. The story of its genesis is truly fascinating and though done under rushed circumstances, it was fuelled by the passion for the sport of chess.

Known to be the chess enthusiast at ZCAS University, Immanuel Sitwala was approached to form the university’s chess team to participate in the 2022 Zambia University Sports Association (ZUSA) VARSITY GAMES held at the University of Zambia. This was the major catalyst to the birth of the ZCAS Chess club. ‘I was dismayed by the fact that there wasn’t one,’ says Sitwala, ‘but as for personally establishing one, the thought wasn’t really there until I’d say late last year.’ The club’s founder contends that the pressure to build the school team acted as a stimulant to realise the thought of creating a Chess club at the University.

When asked to talk about his personal relationship with chess, of which Sitwala described as of a romantic nature, he learnt the game young but only started playing consistently/religiously when he grew older and had access to applications such as Chess.com and Lichess that enable the user to play opponents anywhere and anytime. Currently he says, ‘I don’t recall a day when I haven’t played at least one game.’

In reaction to the connotative ideas that the sport of chess has been regarded to be a sport played by people who are deemed smart and this has to some extent made it difficult for people to embrace. Sitwala Immanuel offered this comment, ‘you don’t have to be academically sound. Smartness can be expressed in various forms'

The Chess Club Chairperson had this to say when asked how the sport of chess contributes to personal development, ‘It increases analytical skills, increases mental capability and actually forces you to see life differently. When playing chess, you have to find as many options as you can and calculate the results of each of the moves or options that you have. In life I find myself without even consciously thinking, looking for all the possible alternatives as well as calculating their outcomes'.

On a societal level he argued that chess has the potential to contribute to the country as much as the mainstream sports. He believes that the level of chess within the country is high and that given the opportunity, the sport of chess can positively affect national wealth through ticket sales to tournaments, televising matches etc... It also keeps people, especially the youth from engaging in vices.

The ZCAS Chess club is a fairly new club however it carries with it daunting goals. Among the many, the club hopes to be a hub for people who share the same interest and passion for the sport of chess. At optimal/maximum functionality, it seeks to become a centre for nurturing chess talent and a national recruitment centre for any who want to pursue the sport professionally. 

The ZCAS Chess club welcomes all who are interested in chess and offers not only a place to compete and improve skills but also a place to learn how to play and have fun with fellow Chess enthusiasts

Written by: Hadassah Phiri