By Lake Zone Watch Writer
Chess players from six countries, including Tanzania, Poland, Germany, India, Nigeria, and Mozambique, are set to compete in a Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE)-rated competition
The competiiton is the 4th Jordan University Chess Open Tournament expected to kickoff in 14 and 15 December in Morogoro.
Organizers are proud of the tournament’s international lineup, highlighting its importance in raising Tanzania’s profile in competitive chess.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s tournament as a FIDE-rated event,” said Dr. Konrad Czernichowski, one of the lead organizers and a lecturer at the Jordan University of Morogoro.
He added, “With participants from six nations, it’s a unique opportunity to elevate Tanzania’s presence on the world chess stage. Chess rankings are not just numbers they’re a reflection of skill, dedication, and international standing.”
Ahead of the tournament, Tanzanian chess player Shedrack Lusako Mwakajila, who recently represented his country at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, visited the Jordan Chess Club.
During his visit, Mwakajila held an exhibition match, facing multiple players at once. Only two challengers emerged victorious; student Inocent Agustino Herman and Dr. Czernichowski, who also serves as the club’s coach.
Dr. Czernichowski praised Mwakajila as a fantastic role model for young players in Tanzania.
According to Dr Czernichowski, with the international participants and the opportunity to gain FIDE ratings, the December tournament is expected to boost Tanzania’s chess profile, giving local players a global platform and encouraging more youth to engage with the game.