Billed as the "Unity Games," the 8th All-Africa Games will take the world's center stage this weekend as African nations from around the continent will compete in 23 disciplines over the next two weeks.

The top athletes have been arriving in Africa's most populous country to engage in such sports as: chess, martial arts, swimming, basketball, tennis, and football (soccer). The football tournament will feature the under-23 teams from eight powerful footballing nations.  Competition will be fierce.

In terms of chess, many of the federation have already announced their intent to participate and besides the host nation Nigeria, South Africa, Angola and Zambia are a few of the teams having already committed. Since the individual competition will double as the World Championship qualifier, players from the strongest chess nations will be present.

Zambia's IM Amon Simutowe and South Africa's IM Watu Kobese will be on hand as well as serving as a coach for Botswana. Nigerian IM Oladapo Adu, currently based in the U.S., will be taking part as well  as well as a powerful contingent of players from Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia. The Chess Drum hopes to provide coverage of the events. Stay tuned!!


8th All-Africa Games (official website)

FIDE (tournament details)

The Chess Drum, "African Championships around the Corner!"  26 September 2003.

The Chess Drum, "Egypt Take Team Gold!"  16 October 2003.

The Chess Drum, "IM Essam El-Gindy takes African Crown!" 19 October 2003.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 3 October 2003