Uganda, Kenya and South Africa Secure World Schools Chess Final Slots

Uganda, Kenya and South Africa Secure World Schools Chess Final Slots

The African qualifier of the World Schools Team Chess Championship concluded in Cape Town, with school teams from Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa emerging as top performers. Winning the tournament was Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School from Uganda, followed by Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School of Kenya and Welgemoed Primary School of South Africa.

This success means they have qualified for the 2026 Grand Final against the best school teams from around the globe, including Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. The tournament serves as a crucial step in developing human capital through chess, with significant sponsorship support from Freedom Holding Corp., led by Timur Turlov.

Building Champions

Patrick Mukasa, coach of Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School and founder of Kamwokya Teens Chess Club, expressed pride in his players, stating: 'These are kids from an academy in the ghetto, disadvantaged kids, vulnerable to all the problems that come with that. I trained them so that they can get the opportunities that come with chess.'

Corporate Philanthropy

Freedom Holding Corp., through its corporate charitable foundation Freedom Shapagat, invests more than $15 million annually in chess development and has acquired ChessBase, a leading provider of chess software. Founder Timur Turlov believes that fostering top talent is key to Kazakhstan’s success in chess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Schools Team Chess Championship?

The event is held under the auspices of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and aims to bring together the strongest school teams from various continents, culminating in a Grand Final.

When will the next qualifier take place?

The Americas qualifier will be held in San José, Costa Rica, from August 11 to 16, 2026.