Chess: KCB makes major signings ahead of new season

KCB chess club has recruited three players as they seek to reclaim the Kenya National Premier League title.

The bankers last won the league title in 2022 and were dethroned one year later by the current defending champions Equity Bank, who won it twice in a row.

Before that KCB, had won the league three times in a row.

The biggest catch for KCB is Hugh Misiko, who has been poached from arch-rivals Equity Bank.

Misikho was the force behind Equity’s winning of the league title the last two seasons and his departure is likely to affect the defending champions.

KCB team manager Isaac Babu said they were delighted to bring on board the Kitale based player.

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“He fits with our strategy to reclaim back the league title and is a valuable addition to our squad,” said Babu.

Two years ago, Misikho narrowly missed winning the Kenya National Chess Championships title after he lost to eventual winner Mehul Gohil on tie break.

Despite that setback, he has continued to perform well in subsequent events .

Also joining the Bankers is 17 year old Hawi Kaloki, who is currently the country’s highest rated player with a rating of 2047.

Kaloki joins from Mavens Chess Club where he was a board one player.

His addition to KCB is expected to give the bankers the needed firepower to reclaim the league title.

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In the ladies section, KCB have also added teenager Shukri Shakira from Victoria Chess Club as they seek to promote young players.

She joins another teenager, Elizabeth Cassidy, who joined the bankers last year.

“Our overall focus is to give more young players a chance to build themselves and promote the game in the country,” said Babu.

The Bankers are also reportedly negotiating with former champion Martin Njoroge to return to the club.

Njoroge left last year and has been in top form in the just concluded season for Black Knights.

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This year’s league will start in March according to league secretary Antony Kionga.

Kionga said they will retain the two tier structure of the league and urged teams that have not finished paying last year’s participation fees to do so before the new season starts.