This September, Tanzanian chess arrives on its biggest team stage. Five Open players and five Women’s players will carry the national colours to the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, joining national teams from around the world for eleven rounds of competition from 15 to 27 September 2026.
For the players, it is a debut shaped by years of tournament halls, online battles, preparation and belief. For supporters at home, ChessBongo will bring the journey closer by streaming their games throughout the Olympiad.
The five carrying Tanzania into the Open
Current national champion Naser Parsa leads the provisional board order. He is joined by Marwa Michael Henry, Mansour Sharif Rashid, Abeid Farkad and Patrick Christopher Sarota. Misambo Kilasa travels as captain, guiding the side through its first Olympiad in Samarkand.
Open team
- 01Naser Parsa · Board 1
- 02Marwa Michael Henry · Board 2
- 03Mansour Sharif Rashid · Board 3
- 04Abeid Farkad · Board 4
- 05Patrick Christopher Sarota · Reserve
Women’s team
- 01Kisanga Neema Adam · Board 1
- 02Lissa Siya Joseph · Board 2
- 03WCM Anahi Rishit Shah · Board 3
- 04Bertha Samson Mkude · Board 4
- 05Mariam Mughwai Gwae · Reserve
A Women’s team ready to be seen
Tanzania’s Women’s team brings together Kisanga Neema Adam, Lissa Siya Joseph, WCM Anahi Rishit Shah, Bertha Samson Mkude and Mariam Mughwai Gwae. Together with the Open team, they represent a broader story: more Tanzanian players earning the chance to test themselves internationally and inspire the next generation at home.
A nation watching every move
Before departure, the delegation received the Tanzanian flag and a clear message: compete with focus, discipline and pride. Samarkand is a chance to gain experience against stronger chess nations, build confidence and show what Tanzania’s growing chess community can become.
“Our preparations have gone well and we are ready for the challenge.”Patrick Sarota · Open team player
From Dar es Salaam to Samarkand, this is their moment—and Tanzania will be following.