Uncategorized
From Administration to Competition: Sibanda Impresses with Second-Place Finish
There was cause for celebration as Mr. Kudakwashe Sibanda, a distinguished Executive Member of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF), delivered an outstanding performance to secure second place at the 2026 Commissioner General Behind the Wall Chess Championship. Competing against a highly competitive field of talented players, Mr. Sibanda demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking, composure, and resilience throughout the tournament. His impressive achievement reflects not only his personal commitment to the game but also the depth of chess excellence within the Zimbabwe…
Building the Future of Chess Education: Day 3 of the ZCF–MoPSE National Chess Syllabus Development Workshop
The third day of the ongoing Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) and Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education National Chess Syllabus Development Workshop marked another significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards integrating chess into the national education system. Bringing together educators, curriculum specialists, and chess development experts from across the country, the workshop continued its mission of designing a comprehensive and progressive chess curriculum that will serve learners from Early Childhood Development A (ECDA) right through to Advanced Level (A-Level). The…
Zimbabwe’s National Champions Head to Botswana for the Prestigious Africa Individual Chess Championship 2026
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation is proud to announce the deployment of Zimbabwe’s reigning national chess champions, Roy Mwadzura and Christine Makwena, to represent the nation at the prestigious Africa Individual Chess Championship 2026 in Botswana. As the reigning 2026 National Champions, Roy Mwadzura and Christine Makwena carry the hopes and aspirations of the Zimbabwean chess community as they prepare to compete against Africa’s strongest chess players in one of the continent’s most important and highly respected chess tournaments. The Africa…
ZCF–Ministry Partnership Gains Momentum as Zimbabwe Advances Nationwide Chess in Education Programme
The partnership between the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education continues to gather significant momentum as Zimbabwe moves closer to achieving the vision of making chess accessible to every learner within the country’s education system. In a landmark development for both education and sport, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education initiated a curriculum framework in 2024 that incorporates a variety of educational games and intellectual activities, with chess occupying a central role. The initiative…
Zimbabwe Chess Federation Congratulates Tawona Magede on Attaining Bachelor of Honours Degree in Accounting
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tawona Magede on the successful attainment of his Bachelor of Honours Degree in Accounting, a significant academic milestone that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Mr. Magede’s achievement is particularly inspiring because it embodies the values that chess seeks to cultivate in young people—discipline, strategic thinking, patience, hard work, and the pursuit of continuous improvement. His success serves as a powerful reminder that excellence in academics and excellence…
Zimbabwe Chess Federation Launches National Player Registration Drive to Build the Country’s Largest Chess Database
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation has embarked on a nationwide player registration and database update exercise aimed at creating the most comprehensive and accurate record of chess players in Zimbabwe. The initiative seeks to ensure that every chess player in the country receives timely and accurate information through the appropriate communication channels. By maintaining an up-to-date national database, the Federation will be better positioned to share important announcements, tournament information, training opportunities, rankings updates, development programmes, and other chess-related activities with…
Cheziya High School Crowned National Champions in Under-18 Open Chess Championship
Cheziya High School from Gokwe delivered a remarkable performance to emerge as the champions of the Under-18 Open category at the prestigious Crystal Candy Schools National Chess Championship held at Marymount Teachers’ College in Manicaland Province. Competing against some of the country’s finest young chess talents, the Gokwe-based school demonstrated exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, teamwork, and consistency throughout the tournament to secure the coveted gold medal. Their triumph was the culmination of months of preparation, dedication, and hard work, as…
Road to Glory: Crystal Candy National Finals 2026 Headed for Manicaland
All roads lead to Manicaland as the province prepares to host the prestigious 2026 Crystal Candy National Chess Finals at Marymount College from 29 May to 1 June 2026. The highly anticipated championship will bring together Zimbabwe’s finest young chess talents from across the country in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of strategy, brilliance, and competitive excellence. Hosted in the scenic city of Mutare, the tournament will serve as the ultimate battleground for the nation’s top school chess…
Zimbabwe Chess Federation Signs Landmark Agreement on Elite National Chess Rating (ENCR) System
Harare, Zimbabwe — The Zimbabwe Chess Federation has taken another significant step toward the modernization and development of chess in Zimbabwe following the official signing ceremony of the Licensing and Collaboration Agreement for the Elite National Chess Rating (ENCR) System with Elite Chess Club. The agreement was formally signed by Todd Mapingire, President of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, and Tapiwa Konga, President of Elite Chess Club, during a ceremony held in Harare. The ENCR System is a national chess rating…
From Mhondoro to the Continental Stage: Young Chess Stars Inspire a Community
Chess truly knows no boundaries, and the inspiring journey of Shalom Austin and Sheila Karidza is living proof that talent, determination, and opportunity can rise from any corner of Zimbabwe. Hailing from the rural community of Mhondoro, the two young chess players have made both their community and the nation immensely proud after representing Zimbabwe with confidence, discipline, and remarkable skill on the international stage. Their achievement goes far beyond individual success. For Mhondoro, this moment represents a historic breakthrough,…
Zimbabwe Youth Chess Team Heads to Uganda for Prestigious Africa Youth Chess Championship
A strong delegation of 25 talented young chess players has departed Zimbabwe for Uganda to participate in the prestigious Africa Youth Chess Championship, one of the continent’s premier junior chess competitions bringing together Africa’s brightest young chess talents. The championship, hosted by Uganda, is expected to attract top youth players from across the continent, providing an important platform for competition, international exposure, talent development, and the strengthening of friendships among Africa’s future chess stars. Zimbabwe’s delegation comprises promising junior players…
Zimbabwe Inmates Shine at 2nd Continental Online Championship for Prisoners 2026 – Africa
Zimbabwe once again demonstrated its growing strength and consistency in prison chess after delivering exceptional performances at the 2nd Continental Online Championship for Prisoners (COCP) 2026 – Africa Qualifier. The continental qualifier, which served as the pathway to the global stage, was played as a 7-round Swiss team tournament featuring teams from across Africa. Both the Open and Women’s sections competed in a single combined pool, with qualification places awarded separately according to section standings. The Zimbabwe Open Inmates Team…