By Angu Lesley
Football Writer, Kick442.com – Cameroon
Cameroon will head to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with high expectations when the 46th Chess Olympiad gets underway from September 15 to 27, with the Cameroon Chess Federation (FECADE) unveiling national teams it believes can make a strong impact on the world stage.
The prestigious competition brings together more than 200 countries and will be held in Central Asia for the first time. For Cameroon, the event represents another opportunity for its best players to test themselves against the world’s elite.
FECADE president Benjamin Didier Banlock presented the teams and the federation’s preparation programme during a press conference in Yaoundé, insisting that Cameroon is travelling with serious ambitions rather than simply making up the numbers.
The players have undergone several months of preparation combining online theoretical sessions with practical competition. Grandmasters and International Masters have been involved in the online programme, with support from the International Chess Federation (FIDE), while the players have also benefited from tactical and psychological preparation.
The final phase of preparations included a three-day classical competition in Yaoundé and Douala. The Regional Championship was used to sharpen the players’ competitive rhythm and provide a final test before the trip to Samarkand.
For the women’s team, FECADE is targeting another strong showing after encouraging performances in previous editions and at the recent African Individual Chess Championship in Botswana. Banlock says the team has the experience and competitive rhythm required to challenge for honours.
“The women have competed in a series of high-level competitions. With the support of the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, we were able to send a complete delegation of five players. The rhythm is there, the preparation is solid and we will defend our regional title while targeting a podium finish in our category at the Olympiad,” Banlock said.
The men’s selection has generated even greater confidence within the federation. It brings together a seven-time Cameroon champion, reigning regional champions and some of the country’s strongest performers from the qualification competitions.
“Without mincing words, and with all the experience I have on the circuit, Cameroon has not fielded a team this strong since 2010,” Banlock declared. “It is a very strong team. If our Lions remain focused and understand what is at stake, we will create some very pleasant surprises in Samarkand.”
FECADE’s ambitions, however, extend beyond the Olympiad. The federation wants to take chess to more parts of Cameroon through a nationwide tour led by Banlock, beginning in the Littoral Region before moving to the northern regions, including Maroua and Garoua, and eventually the Far North.
The federation is also preparing a “Press Café” before the end of the year, an initiative designed to introduce sports journalists to the fundamentals of chess and help improve coverage of the discipline in Cameroon.
Cameroon’s Chess Olympiad selections
Women’s Team
- Magne Koukam Sylviane
- Ngo Sohna Rose Corine
- Dawne Maissiri Carole
- Maguiafain Koukam Josiane
- Wefang Wedze Lucrece
- Captain: Ngoupaye Talee Carles
Men’s Team
- Ebosse Kingue Patrick Victor
- Amba Oyon Claude Marius
- Donkeng Hussel
- Noumbo Nguepi Vidal
- Makem Pierre
- Captain: Momo Tchoffo Yannick Jauffrey
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