THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) successfully hosted the high-stakes ZCF Cadets and Youth Chess Championships at the Dominican Convent last weekend, marking a significant milestone for the country’s burgeoning chess talent.
Despite logistical hurdles, the event saw over 230 young athletes from Under-8 to Under-18 battle for the prestigious honour of representing Zimbabwe on the international stage.
The tournament’s popularity far exceeded initial expectations.
While only 78 players had officially completed their registration by the deadline, the ZCF was met with a massive surge on tournament morning, as over 150 additional players arrived having paid but not yet finalised their paperwork.
The sudden influx led to delays in the start and finish times, but the ZCF leadership dexterously managed the crisis, ensuring every child had the opportunity to compete.
ZCF secretary and executive director Tapiwa Gora praised the event's inclusivity and the federation's resilience.
“It is a unifying championship in that it attracted players from NAF, NASH, ATS, non-ATS schools, and those that are homeschooled, allowing them an opportunity to compete against their peers at a very high-level competition,” Gora noted.
“It was difficult, but we managed to work around all the obstacles that were thrown at us to host this championship successfully.”
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The stakes could not have been higher. Winners from this weekend’s categories earned the right to represent Zimbabwe at the Africa Youth Chess Championships in Kampala, Uganda, this May.
Furthermore, the Under-8 to Under-12 champions will look toward Italy in June for the World Cadets Championships, a vital qualifier for the Cadets World Cup scheduled for November in Batumi, Georgia.
In the premier Under-18 categories, Mellisa Kambezo dominated the girls’ section to scoop Gold, while Boddapati Amith emerged victorious in the Open category.
The Under-16 titles went to Kelly Mbondo and Jayden Chihungwa, while Shantell Ihude and Anesu Tizore ruled the roost in the Under-14 division.
Other notable Gold medalists included:
Under 12: Natalie Ndoro (Girls) and Anotida Mukono (Open)
Under 10: Ropafadzo Manyoni (Girls) and Tinayeishe Nhamburo (Open)
Under 8: Princess Chitevere (Girls) and Tommy Zhao (Open)
Gora also took a moment to pay tribute to the venue sponsors, whose support remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwean chess.
“We would like to thank our host, Dominican Convent, for providing a stellar venue,” Gora said.
“Convent has been an all-weather friend in terms of chess for our school pupils... this is an ongoing partnership that we hope will flourish and continue.”
With the national team now selected, the focus shifts to rigorous training as these young masters prepare to fly the Zimbabwean flag high across Africa and the globe.
