13-year-old coaching chess team at Father Grimes tournament

National Schools Chess Championships
Top five
Primary Category
St. Marcelino     20.5points
Kibuye junior     20.5
 Kampala Sch of the disabled      19
Africa Junior A    17
Kagoma Gate        13.5
 
Secondary Category 
St.Mbuga A         15
Jinja college B    14.5
Namilyango A       14.5      
Mwiri A                14
Mwiri B 14
 
Girls' category
St Mbuga A         19
Nabbingo A         12
Koro               12
Springfield        12
Mengo Ss           11
 
Youngster Maria Nakanyike stole the show at the 2017 National Schools' Chess Championships (Father Grimes) where she appeared as coach of Springfield High school over the weekend.

The 13-year-old made a notable decision to compete in the open section at the chess Championship also know as Father Grimes tournament.

She went a step further to coach fellow youngsters that participated in the girl's category at Mount Olives, Kakiri.
 
By the end of the weekend, the St. Marcelino Primary School pupil had reason to smile with her school not only leading their primary school  category but also leading Springfield to fourth position with 12.5 points.

"I decided to coach other players because I feel the need to share my knowledge with the rest, that way I can also better myself as I learn new things from them," she said.

Nakanyike believes that until she is able to afford travelling for international tournaments, its through coaching other players that she will be able to better herself in the game of chess.

Nakanyike has in leaps and bounds over the years as a chess player. She  has on several occasions played against stronger and highly rated players, producing positive results.

The tournament that concludes Monday attracted over 60 teams.