Mideva over the moon after qualifying for Africa Championship

Youngster Annabel Mideva has expressed her delight at being selected to the national team preparing for the Africa Chess Championships to be held in Zambia from July 2-6.

The eight-year-old Mideva, who plays for Nakuru Chess Academy, says her path to stardom has just started and she will not relent until she achieves her dream.

“I’m determined to ensure I excel in both local and international championships as I head to Zambia for the first time as a national team player. My aim is to be a good example to my club mates,” Mideva told Standard Sports after a training session in Nakuru yesterday.

She trains daily on school holidays and on weekends when schools are opened under the tutelage of Dickson Adiko.

She was selected into the national team after four grueling contests in local championships before scoring four points above the cutline points in the finals of the national championship.

Her best rival at the club is her six-year-old brother and schoolmate Alton Makanga and Wayne Joe Morata.

“My brother has been tough to me but at times I beat him and he beats me in the training sessions,” she said.

And Mideva’s tactician Adiko said: “The girl’s performance is a great inspiration to the team and it is our belief that more internationals will come out of this academy from the inspiration or lessons they have learnt from her.”

Mideva’s father, Winston Makanga, said chess is not an easy game but it requires lots of practice for one to excel before participating in international matches.

He advised Nakuru Academy players to play more matches if they want to improve on their game.