Chess set to make debut at African Chipkizi Cup 2026

ARUSHA: OVER 200 chess players have been registered for the 17th edition of The African Chipkizi Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Arusha from 7 to 13 December this year.

The tournament organised by Future Stars Academy, will feature chess for the first time since the competition was introduced in Arusha.

Apart from chess, the tournament will feature four other sports, namely football, swimming, basketball and Esports (FIFA), providing youths with opportunities to build relationships, compete and showcase their talents.

The chess competition will involve children aged from nine years to U17, with matches scheduled from December 11 to 13.

The Director of Iyanna Foundation and founder of chess in Arusha, Prisca Lema, said the sport is among the fastest-growing sports in Tanzania and abroad.

She said chess is not only about playing and winning, but also provides various opportunities for youths, including employment as coaches and exposure. She added that the sport contributes to children’s growth and helps them develop the ability to make the right decisions.

“Chess is not just about playing to win; there are also employment opportunities as a coach,” she said.

She said organisers were well prepared to ensure participants are entered into national levels recognised by Tanzania Chess, enabling them to have good records and access more opportunities to participate in international competitions.

She urged parents and guardians to give children opportunities to participate in the competition so that they can showcase and develop their talents.

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The Director of Future Stars Academy, Alfred Itaeli, said nine countries had confirmed participation, namely hosts Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Burundi, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Somalia.

Itaeli said a total of 330 football teams and 32 basketball teams are expected to participate, alongside more than 200 swimmers, 200 chess participants in its first appearance and 100 Esports (FIFA) participants, with the tournament involving youths aged between five and 20.

He said agents from various international institutions in Africa and Europe would attend the tournament to scout young male and female talents and provide national and international opportunities.

The tournament will be held at different venues, with the main venue being the YEC grounds at Future Stars. Other venues will be TGT, Braeburn International School and UWC.

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