Prodigy Penny (5) seeks sponsorship for African championship

Namibia’s chess prodigy Penny Shilongo (5) is seeking sponsorship assistance to represent the country at the prestigious International Chess Federation (FIDE)-rated African Schools Individual Chess Championship from 22 to 29 May in Mombasa, Kenya.

Penny secured her place in the competition, which is reserved for the top three players per country, after finishing as the runner-up in the Bank Windhoek Closed School Chess Individual Championships held in Windhoek last month. Competing in the under-7 girls category, she finished just behind overall winner Klara Mahnke.

Her journey to qualification began at the Zonal School Chess Individual Championships in Okahandja in February, where she was crowned champion in her age category. This victory earned her a spot at the national competition, where her strong performance ultimately secured her qualification for the continental event.



Rising star aims for GM title

Penny attends Windhoek’s Building Blocks Academy and is one of the youngest members of Rubinstein Chess Academy.

Last year, she won the academy’s Closed Beginners and Advanced Beginners overall titles, further cementing her reputation as a rising star.

Her passion for the game started at the age of three when she developed a love for competition and honed her strategic thinking. She has since established herself as a player worth keeping an eye on.

Already, Penny dreams of becoming one of the country’s top chess players. “I hope to get a FIDE Grandmaster (GM) title someday. If I do, I will be the country’s first GM,” she said.

Currently, the country’s highest FIDE title is held by International Master (IM) Dante Beukes.



Chess can positively contribute to society

Her father, Israel Shilongo, who also serves as the Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) Zone 4 chairperson, urged entities and the public to support his daughter and young chess players to ensure the growth of analytical thinkers who can positively contribute to society.

“Chess is more than just moving pieces across the board,” he said. “It is a tool for cognitive development, problem-solving and strategic thinking. Chess nurtures discipline, patience and resilience in young minds, helping them excel academically as well.”

To participate in the African championship, Penny and her coach need to raise over N$50 000. A budget breakdown seen by Sport Wrap shows that flights are expected to cost around N$24 000, accommodation N$19 000, apparel and visas N$3 000, registration N$3 000 and administration N$4 000.

“The African championship brings together top young chess players from across the continent to compete and enhance their skills. This is a golden opportunity for Penny to gain international experience, learn from top players and represent the country with pride,” her father added.



Benefit to sponsors

Sponsors who come on board to support Penny and the growth of chess in Namibia stand to gain various benefits, including brand visibility and recognition. “Supporting Penny will highlight your company’s commitment to youth empowerment, education and talent development,” he said.

While financial sponsorship is essential, companies and individuals can also support Penny by providing branded chess gear, gadgets for online training with international coaches and networking opportunities with sports professionals.

Interested sponsors can contact her father, Israel Shilongo, at 081 370 5880 or via email at [email protected].

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