Published: December 12, 2025
MONROVIA — Slovak International Master Stefan Macak, a veteran chess player known for his classical, principled style and nearly three decades of competitive experience, is expected to visit Liberia from Dec. 20–26, 2025, as part of a major international chess development initiative, organizers announced this week.
Macak, whose career spans as far back from 1997, has earned a reputation as one of Slovakia’s most technically disciplined competitors, with a peak classical rating above 2300 and strong performances in European and United Kingdom tournaments. He is also the founder of chessinafrica.com, a platform dedicated to expanding chess education and youth development across the continent.
The International Chess Polytechnic (ICP) confirmed the visit in a press statement issued Thursday, December 11 and announced the appointment of Clarence Buigbo as chairperson of the Joint Steering Committee responsible for coordinating all activities related to Macak’s trip. The committee will work in partnership with the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) and several educational and community institutions.
According to ICP, Buigbo will oversee logistical planning, stakeholder engagement, school outreach, and the execution of training and development programs tied to the International Master’s mission. The organization said his appointment reflects confidence in his leadership experience and his longstanding involvement in promoting chess education in Liberia. “Mr. Buigbo will lead a multi‑stakeholder team responsible for comprehensive planning and coordination,” ICP said in the statement. “His responsibilities include logistical arrangements, stakeholder engagements, school and community outreach, and the execution of training and development programs aligned with the objectives of IM Macak’s visit.”
ICP said Macak’s visit is part of its broader global mission to strengthen chess education and expand youth development opportunities through capacity‑building, digital learning tools, and international collaboration. The organization noted that the mission aligns with Liberia’s national chess development agenda. As part of the initiative, ICP plans to provide chess sets, instructional materials, demonstration boards, and computer‑based learning tools to support schools, community clubs, and training centers.
The visit is expected to include workshops for coaches, training sessions for young players, community exhibitions, and strategic meetings with local partners. Macak’s presence in Liberia is expected to draw significant attention from the country’s growing chess community. The Liberia Chess Federation has expanded its youth programs in recent years, and organizers say the International Master’s visit will help accelerate efforts to strengthen coaching standards, improve competitive readiness, and introduce modern training methods. ICP expressed appreciation to the Liberia Chess Federation and other partner institutions for their collaboration as preparations continue.
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