"Ncube nominated to contest FIDE second top position," Times of Zambia, 21 March 2006 (Lusaka, Zambia).

WORLD Chess Federation (FIDE) President, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov has nominated Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) out-going president, Lewis Ncube to contest the Vice Presidency of the international chess motherbody.

Both sports minister George Chulumanda and Ncube confirmed the nomination in separate interviews yesterday.

Chulumanda said Government would throw its weight behind Ncube's candidature given the immense contribution the veteran sports administrator had made to the development of chess in the country.

He said once elected, Zambia and Africa in general stood to benefit from Ncube's presence at FIDE during the 77^th congress set for Turin, Italy from May 25 to June 5.

"As government we are assuring our unwavering support to his candidature at FIDE. Its important that we begin to have representation by our own people at different international sports bodies," he said.

Chulumanda hoped Ncube who officially stepped down from CFZ at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kabwe at the weekend to pave way for an administration led by Barb Christon Nkausu, would use his vast experience to excel in his new challenge.

Ncube welcomed his nomination saying after serving as CFZ president and in different other disciplines, the new challenges at FIDE would help him retain the confidence of the people who had shown faith in him.

But visiting British Grand Master (GM) Nigel Short who attended the CFZ indaba in Kabwe was accused of lobbying for local administrators to de-campaign Ncube ahead of the FIDE elections.

United States based Zambian International Master (IM), Amon Simutowe who described Short as his personal friend, said local administrators have to back Ncube for the vice presidency and pointed out his nomination from among over 160 countries as a clear testimony that his efforts were being recognised.

"For the first time, Africa has a chance to have a say in world chess politics. Mr Ncube will address the problems which face African chess players and countries and I believe our government will support him," said Simutowe from his Texas base yesterday.

Simutowe also expressed disappointment to hear that Short told the new executive that he would appreciate if they blocked Ncube's nomination as FIDE Vice President.

He said only time would tell whether Col Kausu and CFZ vice president Joy Mtine, have the capacity and vision for development of chess in Zambia but that the immediate proof the nation need is that they could put the interests of chess players in front of political affiliations.

Read Ncube's Statement of Intent

The Chess Drum, "FIDE campaigning heats up in Africa!" 10 April 2006.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 29 March 2006