Posts by admin (Page 3)
Zimbabwe’s School Chess Season Roars Back as ZCF Takes the Game “Kumusha
Somewhere in Gokwe – The sound of clocks ticking and young minds calculating signalled the official return of school chess in Zimbabwe this weekend, as NAPH and NASH launched their perennial calendar of activities across the country. The reopening of the schools’ chess season marks an important moment in Zimbabwe’s sporting calendar, reigniting competition at grassroots level and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting year for junior chess development. Young players gathered with renewed energy and…
ZCF and Crystal Candy Announce 2026 National Schools Team Chess Championship
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF), in partnership with Crystal Candy, is proud to announce the 2026 ZCF Crystal Candy National Schools Team Chess Championship, a flagship national schools tournament designed to advance youth development, educational excellence, and competitive chess across Zimbabwe. The championship will bring together primary and secondary schools nationwide, including government, private, ATS institutions, and colleges. The tournament will be conducted under a single national schedule and standardised format, reinforcing fairness, consistency, and high organisational standards across all…
ZCF transitions to align with new Constitution
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) Executive Board is pleased to announce a landmark resolution to fully implement the ZCF Constitution, marking a transformative era for chess administration in the country. The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) will realign its executive structure in accordance with the 2024 Chess Constitution, adopted by affiliates on November 2, 2024 and reaffirmed at an executive meeting held on December 30, 2025. This strategic move aims to modernize the federation’s governance, enhance operational efficiency, and decentralize authority…
ZCF announces participants for the 2026 National Chess Champonships
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) is proud to officially announce the final roster of players qualified for the 2026 Zimbabwe National Chess Championships. This premier event represents the pinnacle of strategic excellence in the country, bringing together the nation’s top-rated masters and emerging talents to compete for the prestigious national title. Following a rigorous qualification cycle—including the defending champions from the 2025 CBZ Nationals winners and runner, the 2025 CABS Candidates, the 2025 Minerva Zim Open and various FIDE-rated regional…
Call for Submissions: FIDE Veteran Support Program 2026
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is pleased to announce the continuation of its support for chess veterans. Grants will be awarded to distinguished chess players, coaches, and organizers aged 65 and older who have made significant contributions to the development of chess and are currently facing an unstable financial situation. As in previous years, we national invite federations, clubs, and individuals to submit applications. Each submission must include a CV of the nominee and be sent to office@fide.com. The deadline…
FIDE updates rating regulations to include faster time controls for major events
The FIDE Council has approved a resolution allowing specific shortened time controls to count toward standard ratings and title norms in 2026. This decision follows a pilot phase that took place in late 2025, including the Women’s World Team Championship tournament in Linares. Based on feedback from participants, organisers, partners, and consultations with top-tier Grandmasters, FIDE has decided to adjust the regulations to reflect the evolving needs of the chess community. The new standard Effective immediately for the 2026 calendar,…
ACC Salutes ZCF for Successfully Hosting the 16th Africa Youth Chess Championship
Allow me to take this opportunity, on behalf of the African Chess Confederation (ACC) Executive, to express our sincere gratitude to the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) for the successful organisation and hosting of the 16th edition of the Africa Youth Chess Championship (AYCC). The ACC Executive extends its heartfelt appreciation to all individuals, committees, volunteers, officials, and partners who worked tirelessly often behind the scenes to ensure the smooth planning and delivery of this prestigious continental event. Your collective dedication,…
Official Notice: CABS Candidates Chess Tournament to Run from 19–22 December 2025
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) is pleased to officially announce that the 2025 CABS Candidates Chess Tournament will take place from 19–22 December 2025 at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo. Proudly organised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and generously sponsored by CABS, this prestigious tournament remains a cornerstone on the national chess calendar. It provides a competitive platform for Zimbabwean players to demonstrate their strategic ability, discipline, and mastery of the game. The event continues…
AYCC 2025 – Official Arbiters for the 16th Edition, Cresta Lodge, Zimbabwe (6–14 December 2025)
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF), in partnership with the African Chess Confederation (ACC), is proud to announce the official panel of arbiters for the 16th Africa Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) 2025, set to take place at Cresta Lodge, Harare, Zimbabwe, from 6–14 December 2025. This prestigious continental event will bring together the brightest young chess talents from across Africa, and the appointed arbiters will play a vital role in ensuring fair play, professionalism, and the smooth running of all games…
Breaking Boundaries! Four Zimbabweans Approved as FIDE Arbiters
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of four Zimbabwean chess officials who have officially been approved to operate as FIDE Arbiters, marking another major milestone in the country’s chess development journey. The newly confirmed FIDE Arbiters are: Their recognition by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) demonstrates Zimbabwe’s growing stature in the international chess community, as more officials meet global standards of excellence in officiating, ethics, and tournament management. The ZCF commended the quartet for their dedication,…
Christine Makwena Shines for Zimbabwe at Zonal Chess Championship in Angola!
Christine Makwena has once again done Zimbabwe proud! The talented chess player delivered an exceptional performance at the Zonal Chess Championship held in Angola, securing an impressive 5th-place finish among a competitive field of top regional players. Her strong showing earned her a well-deserved cash prize of €200, a testament to her growing prowess and consistency on the international chess circuit. Competing against some of Africa’s finest players, Makwena displayed remarkable composure, tactical sharpness, and resilience throughout the tournament. This…
FIDE / Al Ain ACMG Academy
The Zimbabwe Chess Confederation (ZCF) is proud to share an exciting global opportunity for our Affiliates! FIDE, in partnership with the Al Ain ACMG Academy, has launched a groundbreaking global talent development programme designed to identify, train, and empower the next generation of chess stars. ♟️ZCF has been invited to nominate four promising young players two boys and two girls aged 8 to 16 to represent our nation and our continent in this prestigious initiative. The programme begins in December…