Seventeen exceptionally talented young chess players from Lusaka, Zambia, have arrived in Cairo, Egypt, filled with anticipation for the prestigious Africa Youth Chess Championship. This eagerly awaited event is scheduled to take place from 1st to 9th September. Originally, a formidable squad of 36 players had been selected for this journey to Cairo. In an insightful interview, Leslie Chikuse, the President of the Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ), revealed that the Egyptian Chess Federation had encountered a tremendous influx of entries. Consequently, Zambia's representation was adjusted to 17 players, down from the initial 36. The stage for this riveting chess tournament is set at Cairo's Al-Baron Hotel. Chikuse underscored the situation, stating, "We have only sent 17 players to the African Youth Chess Championship from the initial 36. This is because the Egyptian Chess Federation had indicated an overwhelming number of participants registering for the tournament." Recognizing the constraints, Chikuse added, "We would have preferred to send 36, but we must respect the host nation's wishes." The Zambian contingent is poised for imminent departure to Egypt, accompanied by Woman FIDE Master Constance Mbatha and David Kapembwa. Chikuse rallied the young players to give their utmost effort and strive for medal-winning performances. He also expressed gratitude to the government for providing CFZ with the financial support necessary for the competition. The upcoming tournament is expected to draw more than 300 participants from 15 diverse countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Zambia's girls' team is represented by Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Zangowanachipwila Nshikokola, Naomi Mwale, Kissa Sichali, Siamalongo Sindaza, Namasiku Haambayi, Atusaye Sichali, and Victoria Mweetwa. In the boys' division, the contingent comprises Joseph Handiya, Tumelo Lwenyeka, Joshua Sauti, Noah Francis, Ved Rao, Nathan Schmidt, Shaurya Danave, Luka Shields, Stephen Mofya, and Jacob Kapembwa. As these young chess enthusiasts gear up for the championship, the global chess community eagerly awaits their performances on the international stage.