Today marks the beginning of Zambia's pursuit of chess glory at the prestigious 2023 African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) in Egypt. This premier African junior chess competition, spanning from today until 9th September, will unfold at the El Baron Heliopolis Hotel in Cairo. Impressively, a total of 14 African Federations have enthusiastically enrolled their players, culminating in a grand assembly of 450 participants, spanning both Open and Girls categories across various age groups. In a recent interview, Team-Zambia's delegation leader, David Kapembwa, expressed the team's unwavering readiness to vie for medals on the grand stage of Cairo. Kapembwa commended the tireless efforts of the fundraising committee, whose dedication made this journey possible. He conveyed the team's optimism, asserting, "The players are in high spirits, and we anticipate securing medals across different age categories." Among the talents poised to bring home medals for Zambia are Women Fide Master (WFM) Naomi Mwale, Zangowana Nshikokola, Namasiku Hambaayi, Victoria Mweetwa, Catherine Sichali, Siamlongo Sindaza, and the adept Jacob Kapembwa. Additionally, Atusayi Sichali, Tumelo Lwenyeka, Lvka Shields, Joshua Sauti, Jonathan Daniel, Francis Noah, Stephen Mofya, Ved Rao, and Joseph Handiya are set to demonstrate their chess exceptionalism. Kapembwa extended his gratitude to the sponsors who rallied behind the team, including Nathan Scmidts from Zamex Ventures, John Shields from Longcliffe Quarries, Ana Hlajduka from African Greenco, Absa, Yalelo Zambia, Jewel for Africa, 37 DArt Gallery Foundation, Castle Bet, and Financial Insights. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring the Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) could kick off this remarkable event. Furthermore, Betika Zambia was acknowledged for their significant role in youth chess championships and their unwavering commitment to the cause.