ZAMBIA’S celebrated chess star, International Master (IM) Andrew Kayonde, is preparing for one of the biggest battles of his career after earning a spot at the 2026 African Chess Championships.
Kayonde, who recently won the Zone 4.5 Chess Championship, a tournament viewed as the chess equivalent to COSAFA in football, will now represent Zambia at the top continental event.
His latest victory adds to an already impressive record that has made him one of the country’s most respected chess players.
The six-time national champion, who announced himself on Zambia’s chess scene as a teenager, has spent years proving why he is considered one of Zambia’s finest chess minds.
No other player has ever won the national title as many times as he has, and his list of international achievements continues to grow.
However, preparing against the continent’s elite players requires advanced training tools, specialised chess resources and online learning platforms, all of which come at a high cost.
Kayonde said he needs at least K35,000 to access the right materials and prepare effectively.
For now, his main focus is to ensure he does not go into the continental event at a disadvantage.
As the African Championships fast approaching, Kayonde remains determined to fly the Zambian flag high, hoping that support from well-wishers will help him prepare fully and compete against the continent’s best.
Kalemba November 19, 2025
