According to CHESSAM publicist Alfred Chimthere ,Mwale who is based in South Africa is the highest rated player and defending champion for Malawi hence the selection.

"He (Mwale) is the current defending champion of the national chess tournament which he won in december last year. We thought it wise to send him to represent the country at the tournament.
"We know its not going be easy for him because there will be international masters at the tournament but we are optimistic of good results from our athlete.
"If he gets good result' chances are high that he might attern the tittle of "International Master" which will be a good achivement," Chinthere said.

Mwale participated in a similar tournament last year, together with Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Ellen Mpinganjira, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

In that event, International Master Fy Antenaina Rakotomaharo, won gold on home soil.

Chimthere said CHESSAM targets exposing many players to such international events, however, current financial constraints mean one individual (FM Mwale) makes the trip this time around.
"We were given a chance to send atleast four athletes but at the moment we cannot do that because we are short on money.
"Last year we sent to athletes at a similar tournament but this year it is only going to be Mwale who will represent us," Chimthere added.
Zone 4.5 chess tournament comprises of Southern Africa Development(SADC)countries.

Malawi ever hosted the tournament in 2015 at Shire Highlands Hotel in Blantyre, a tournament that was won by Zambian International Master Richmond Phiri.