Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013
Hi everyone,
So, let's hear what's more exciting: Chess or Football! News reports from Namibia state former Brave Warriors' goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha has started playing chess! After becoming Namibia's first ever professional deaf footballer, Mbaha has also called the hearing impaired to make the best of their talent.
After a fulfilling career as a full-time goalkeeper with MTC Premiership Tigers, the 37-year-old former African Stars, Orlando Pirates, Ramblers, Blue Waters, Black Leopards (SA) and Maritzburg United (SA) footballer has now gone professional with chess playing for the Herero Mall Chess Club in the highly competitive Namsports Premier Chess League (PCL).
Mbaha, who was part of the Brave Warriors squad that participated in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted by Ghana, has so far played two games for his club and has won them both. He is said to be a quick thinker and possesses deadly moves that often leave his opponents chewing on their nails out of sheer frustration.
Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) president Otto Nakapunda expressed excitement with Mbaha joining the premier chess league, saying he has already done it in football and will surely succeed in inspiring the deaf community to come out and enjoy their God-given talents through the premier chess league.
"Since our league is still at its infant stage, Mbaha will most definitely add value to the league and will also serve as an inspiration to other deaf individuals who want to excel in sports, but lack that much needed boost to come out. We would also like to encourage other deaf individuals to join the chess league and realise their true potential," said Nakapunda.
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