This archive report was first published on 12 November 2019.
On November 12, 2019, KCB Chess Club were crowned the 2019 Kenya Premier Chess League champions.
The bankers reclaimed the title they won two years ago after finishing the season unbeaten, pipping archrivals Equity Bank to win the title.
Led by their captain Ben Magana, the champions outwitted an army of teams fielding veteran players, including favourites Equity, Deadly Bishops, Black Knights, NACHA Kings and Nairobi Chess Club, who finished fifth.
Speaking to the Standard Sports, KCB captain Magana lauded his charges for a brilliant season and thanked their patron for the support.
"It has been a monumental year winning the league with KCB this year. We have finished with a 100% score (26 played, 26 wins) largely due to determination and focus," he said.
Chess Kenya President Bernard Wanjala also congratulated the champions and termed the 2019 chess premier league a success.
"The league was very competitive with 27 teams and congratulations to KCB for ending Equity's two year dominance. This shows how the league is aggressive as chess continues to grow in the country," said Wanjala.
