Mwali crowned 2026 CPLP and SADC friends chess champion

International Master Chitumbo Mwali, Zambia’s most highly rated chess player, has been crowned champion of the 2026 Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Friends Chess Tournament. Mwali won the prestigious title…

International Master Chitumbo Mwali, Zambia’s most highly rated chess player, has been crowned champion of the 2026 Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Friends Chess Tournament.

Mwali won the prestigious title while representing Zambia at the tournament held in Maputo, Mozambique from August 21 to 23, 2026.

Speaking in an interview with the medis, Mwali said the competition was highly challenging as it brought together some of the best chess players from the region and Europe.

He said his victory was a significant achievement for Zambia and further demonstrated the country’s strength as a leading chess-playing nation in the SADC region.

“The tournament was very difficult because we had some of the best players from South Africa and strong players from Europe. The competition was tough, but I managed to succeed and win the gold medal and trophy,” said Mwali.

He called on the corporate sector and other stakeholders to invest and support chess, describing it as one of the leading intellectual sports in the world.

Mwali said greater sponsorship would help promote the sport and provide more opportunities for Zambian players to compete at regional and international levels.

The international master who is also an accountant at the Lusaka Provincial Administration, has been commended for combining his professional career with sporting excellence.

Lusaka Provincial Administration,  Director of Finance Matthews Kapansa, expressed delight over Mwali’s achievement, saying his success was a source of pride for both the provincial administration and the country.

Kapansa said Mwali’s accomplishment demonstrated that employees could excel in their professional careers while also making significant contributions to sport.

“We congratulate Mwali for representing Zambia with distinction and winning the tournament in Mozambique,” he said.