Equity Bank Chess Club defends Kenya Premier League title

Equity Bank Chess Club players celebrate after winning Premier League title. [Courtesy]

Equity Bank Chess Club successfully defended their Kenya Chess Premier League title in style, overcoming fierce competition to secure their fifth championship since joining the league in 2013.

In a thrilling final round at the weekend, Equity edged perennial rivals KCB 3-2 in a highly charged encounter, solidifying their dominance in Kenyan chess.

Although the match against KCB had no bearing on the final standings, Equity's performance underscored their superiority. Heading into the final round, Equity had already established an unassailable five-point lead over second-placed Mavens Tacticians Chess Club.

The match’s highlight was a tactical masterclass by Equity’s 14-year-old sensation, Kyle Kuka, who stunned reigning National Champion Joseph Methu of KCB. In another pivotal clash, KCB’s Ugandan FIDE Master Harold Wanyama fell to Equity’s rising star Gabriel Wangombe, further cementing the victory.

Equity concluded the season atop the league standings with 45 points, ahead of Mavens Tacticians with 40 points. Lighthouse Alpha Chess Club rounded off the podium with 39 points, while former champions KCB placed a distant fourth after defeats to both Equity and Mavens.

Reflecting on the team’s triumph, Equity coach Moses Andiwoh expressed pride in his players’ resilience. “This was a very tough league because everyone was gunning to beat us. I’m proud to have had a disciplined and dedicated team that made the tough going manageable. The teamwork demonstrated by our players, even in the face of formidable opponents, is commendable,” he said.

Despite suffering a surprise loss to Knights Chess Academy earlier in the season, Equity bounced back with characteristic determination. The win secures their spot at the prestigious 2025 World Rapid Chess Championship, organized by the World Chess Federation, set for June next year.

Mavens Tacticians Chess Club made a remarkable debut in the Premier League, finishing as runners-up after earning promotion from the Super League. Their stellar performance was bolstered by the addition of South Sudanese stars John Thong and Panchol Madol, who have been instrumental in their rise. Mavens registered crucial wins over KCB but fell to the eventual champions, Equity, in a hard-fought match.

League Secretary Anthony Kionga lauded the emergence of young talent, particularly in the Super League. “The juniors have really come up this year and have taken some veterans by surprise. This clearly shows there is a bright future for the game in the country. The Premier League is very strong, but the Super League, where the younger players are concentrated, is definitely not to be underrated. We are looking forward to a very competitive National Championship mid this month,” Kionga remarked.

In the lower-tier Super League, the University of Nairobi clinched gold with 61 points, narrowly edging Tricky Anchors (60 points) and Daystar University. Daystar was named the best university team in the Super League, while UoN earned similar accolades in the Premier League.

During the closing ceremony, Chess Kenya President Bernard Wanjala commended the players and organizers for a successful season. “The quality of the game in the country has improved, as demonstrated by the increase in teams joining the league, especially in the Super League. I congratulate all players for showing discipline and focus throughout the season,” he said. Wanjala also appealed to sponsors to support the growing league, which attracts over 500 players from more than 40 teams.

The league has become a hub for Kenya’s chess talent, with younger players like Equity’s Kyle Kuka and Lighthouse Alpha’s rising stars proving their mettle. As the chess calendar moves toward the National Chess Championship from December 11-15 at Makini School, the focus shifts to determining Kenya’s best, with the coveted grand prize of a car awaiting the winner. Last year, KCB’s Joseph Methu drove home the top prize.

With their latest triumph, Equity Bank Chess Club continues to set the standard in Kenyan chess, demonstrating a balance of experienced leadership and emerging talent. As the champions prepare for the global stage next year, their success serves as inspiration for a rapidly growing chess community in Kenya.