THE final move was made in silence, but the applause that followed echoed across the hall at Jordan University College (JUCo) in Morogoro. After 18 grueling rounds of tactical battles, bold sacrifices and nerve-testing endgames, the JUCo Chess Superleague concluded last weekend in dramatic fashion - crowning a new champion and reinforcing the growing stature of university chess in Tanzania.

Organised in a demanding double round-robin format, the competition required each player to face every opponent twice, once with the white pieces and once with black. It was a true test of preparation, adaptability and mental endurance. By the time the final standings were confirmed, it was Samwel Amos Lema, a Marketing student from Moshi, who stood tallest among his peers.

Lema’s path to the title was defined by composure under pressure and one particularly decisive victory. His crucial win with the black pieces against Ugochukwu Celestin Wisdom Anyalebechi - a Philosophy student from Nigeria - proved to be the turning point of the tournament. Although Lema later lost their return encounter while playing White, the earlier triumph ultimately secured his place at the summit.

Anyalebechi finished second with 14 points, once again demonstrating his consistency and fighting spirit. Yet for the second consecutive year, he fell just short of lifting the Superleague trophy. Last season, he had finished third behind Lema and Shetiel Emanuel Shetiel, an ICT undergraduate who did not participate this year.

 With Shetiel absent, the Nigerian star was widely expected to challenge strongly — and he did — but silver was once again his final destination.

Completing the podium was Peter Luitfrid Nnally, another Marketing student, who amassed 13 points to claim third place. Interestingly, all three medalists share academic ties to business-related disciplines, suggesting a curious overlap between strategic thinking in commerce and success on the 64 squares.

What sets this year’s top performers apart is not only their results within JUCo but also their growing international exposure. Lema, Anyalebechi and Nnally recently competed in two major classical FIDE-rated tournaments: the 5th Jordan Open in Morogoro and the 1st Urafiki Gambit: Tanzania-Poland Friendship Chess Tournament in Dar es Salaam. In both events, Anyalebechi emerged as the highest-performing JUCo student, underlining his steady rise in competitive chess.

Notably, Lema and Nnally both earned the 4th Polish chess category title during their Erasmus student exchange programme in Lublin, Poland. The achievement reflects not only individual dedication but also the strengthening academic and sporting links between Tanzania and Poland. Their international experience was evident throughout the Superleague, particularly in complex middle-game positions where patience and calculation were paramount.

The Diploma Student Who Defied Expectations

While the spotlight naturally gravitated toward the top three, one of the tournament’s most compelling stories belonged to Teitoy Pusindawa Kilusu - the only Diploma student in the field.

In a competition largely dominated by undergraduate players, Kilusu finished an impressive fourth overall. His performance was not merely symbolic representation; it was built on solid results and fearless play. Unlike many JUCo participants who only began learning chess at university, Kilusu arrived with prior experience. He is a graduate of Orkeeswa Secondary School in Arusha, an institution recognised for promoting chess development among young players.

Kilusu collected two points each against Shinje Mjanasa (Accounting and Finance), Felista Makaliosi Francis (Business Studies) and Neema Michael Chipinda (Accounting and Finance). He also secured a walkover victory against Patrick Dominick Mswazi (Philosophy) and scored 1.5 points against Ahmad Abdalla Ahmad (Accounting and Finance). His only defeats came against the tournament’s top three finishers — Lema, Anyalebechi (walkover), and Nnally.

Finishing fourth in such company was a statement. As the sole Diploma representative, Kilusu demonstrated that talent and preparation can transcend academic level, reinforcing the inclusive and merit-based nature of university chess.

Rising Women’s Ambitions

Among the standout performers was Neema Michael Chipinda, who scored four points to earn the Best Lady award. Beyond the accolade, Chipinda carries a larger ambition: qualifying for the Chess Olympiad scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Her journey toward that dream will pass through the National Championship Qualifiers set for 1–3 May 2026 in Dar es Salaam. For Chipinda, the Superleague was both a proving ground and a stepping stone — an opportunity to sharpen her competitive instincts ahead of national-level battles.

Exchange Students and Global Aspirations

The JUCo Superleague also highlighted the academic mobility shaping the institution’s chess culture. Shinje Mjanasa and Ahmad Abdalla Ahmad, who finished fifth and seventh respectively, are preparing to embark on a student exchange programme at the University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska (UMCS) in Poland.

Their goal extends beyond academics. Inspired by Lema and Nnally, they aim to achieve at least the 4th Polish chess category during their time abroad. The exchange programme is fast becoming more than an educational experience — it is evolving into a bridge for competitive growth, exposing Tanzanian students to broader chess ecosystems.

Patrick Dominick Mswazi, who scored 5.5 points to finish sixth overall, added further depth to a field that showcased steady improvement across all participants.

Guidance from the Arbiter-Scholar

The tournament was officiated by Dr Konrad Czernichowski of Poland, a Microeconomics and International Economics lecturer at Jordan University College and a passionate advocate of chess development. Having taught several of the participants, Dr Czernichowski embodies the unique blend of academia and sport that defines the JUCo chess culture.

Under his supervision, the event ran smoothly, maintaining high standards of fairness and professionalism. His involvement reflects the institutional commitment to nurturing intellectual competition alongside academic achievement.

A Growing Force in University Chess

The JUCo Chess Superleague has evolved into more than an internal campus competition. It has become a platform for identifying talent, encouraging international exposure and cultivating a culture of disciplined strategic thinking.

The 2026 edition demonstrated measurable progress: stronger opening preparation, improved endgame technique and heightened psychological resilience among players. It also underscored the widening pathways available to student-athletes — from Erasmus exchanges to FIDE-rated tournaments and even Olympiad aspirations.

As the pieces were packed away and the hall gradually emptied, one truth remained evident: university chess in Tanzania is not merely surviving — it is thriving. And at Jordan University College, the game continues to shape minds far beyond the board.