The second Bank Windhoek, Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) Awards ceremony took place in Windhoek on 28 November. The event, sponsored by Bank Windhoek, celebrated and rewarded chess excellence for players, facilitators, coordinators, coaches, and arbiters who showcased impressive skills throughout the 2023/24 season.
Speaking at the event, Bank Windhoek’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships Manager, Audrey Mostert, said the Bank has shown its commitment to chess by supporting NCF. “Between 2023 and 2024, the Bank showed its continued commitment to chess with a N$500,000 sponsorship, the country’s most extensive support for chess. The sponsorship aims to provide resources for chess programmes, tournaments, and educational initiatives across Namibia,” she said.
Mostert congratulated the NCF and participants for growing the sport in Namibia, saying, “As a proud Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek aspires to empower youth with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of the future confidently. Let us join hands in promoting chess as a vehicle for the intellectual enrichment of our community, fostering a culture that values critical thinking, strategic planning, and numerical proficiency.”
NCF President Goodwill Khoa announced that Namibia qualified for the FIDE World Cup this year and encouraged Namibians to support the sport. “The Federation has flag bearers who represent our country internationally. We are no longer only participating. We are competing.”
Bank Windhoek National Chess League 2024 winner was awarded to Zandell Chess Academy. Speaking for the team, Jazzmo Kotze said that the team participated in various championships hosted by the NCF throughout the year. “It has been challenging at times. This is our second year playing as a team, but overall, we have grown. Winning this award is a testament to our work. We always played against each other to attain individual awards. However, as we united, we managed to win as a team,” he said. Bank Windhoek Grand Prix 2024 Bronze junior winner Reuben Petrus, who plays for Regicide Chess Club, said he looks forward to becoming a better chess player by playing chess puzzles and attending lessons with his coach.
Additional NCF Chess Awards 2024 winners include Dante Beukes as Best International Participant, Tjongarero Vandovaua as Female Arbiter of the Year, and Tjiuhinatjo Tjongarero as Arbiter of the Year Open.