This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
Chess Kenya has made a significant move in the world of chess by appointing a new national team coach. Malaysian Peter Long, a seasoned chess player and coach, has been tasked with leading the national team to success in the upcoming FIDE Online Olympiad games.
Long, a former national champion in Malaysia, boasts a FIDE rating averaging 2350 points, making him an ideal candidate for the role. He has also coached New Zealand to great success, and Chess Kenya president Benard Wanjala is confident that he can replicate this success with the Kenyan team.
The national team is preparing for the FIDE Online Olympiad games, which will take place on July 22 and August 30. A team of 12 players has been proposed, with six reserves and six players who will form the main team. The team will include five women, seniors, and Under-20 players in each board.
The proposed team comprises players from various chess clubs, including KCB's Ben Nguku and Joseph Methu, Jackson Kamau, Ben Magana, Joyce Nyaruai, Lucy Wanjiru, Woman Fide Master (WFM) Sasha Mongeli, and Madelta Glenda. Other players include Robert Mcligeyo, Aguda Lwanga, Naiya Gosrani, and WFM Krishi Shah.
Chess Kenya president Benard Wanjala said, “Long is a former national champion ranked as seed one in Malaysia for over a decade with a FIDE rating averaging 2350 points. He is a coach whom we can trust to guide Kenya to the right direction just as he did with New Zealand.”
Long will be tasked with guiding the national team to success in the upcoming championships, and Chess Kenya is confident that he has the experience and skills to do so.
