National (Page 3)
Budiriro 4 Makes History with Double Gold Triumph, Secures Zimbabwe’s Ticket to Cape Town
Budiriro 4 Primary School produced one of the most outstanding performances in the history of Zimbabwean scholastic chess by capturing gold medals in both the Under-14 Open and Under-14 Girls categories at the 2026 Crystal Candy Schools National Chess Championship held in Manicaland. The remarkable achievement saw the Harare-based school dominate the competition across both divisions, demonstrating exceptional talent, discipline, teamwork, and strategic excellence. By emerging victorious in both categories, Budiriro 4 etched its name into the history books as…
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…
Manicaland Hosts Successful 4th Crystal Candy National Schools Chess Tournament
The 4th Edition of the Crystal Candy National Schools Chess Tournament came to a successful and memorable conclusion at Marymount Teachers’ College in Mutare, Manicaland, with senior government officials, civic leaders, and key stakeholders gathering to celebrate one of the largest schools chess events ever held in Zimbabwe. The prestigious closing ceremony was graced by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Province, Misheck Mugadza, who served as the Guest of Honour. His presence underscored the…
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…
ZUS1 Crowned 2026 Zimbabwe Tertiaries Ladies Chess Champions
The 2026 Zimbabwe Tertiaries Sports Association (ZITS) Ladies Chess Championship was successfully hosted at Harare Polytechnic from 5–9 May 2026, attracting some of the country’s top female tertiary chess players in a thrilling showcase of strategy, talent, and competitive spirit. After five hard-fought rounds, ZUS1 emerged as the champions of the Ladies Section with an impressive 4.5/5 points. The title race went right down to the wire, as ZUS1 finished level on points with ZUS2, with the championship ultimately decided…
ZIMBABWE TERTIARIES SPORTS♟️🏆
The 2026 Zimbabwe Tertiaries Sports Association (ZITS) Open Chess Championship was successfully held at Harare Polytechnic from 5–9 May 2026, bringing together some of the country’s finest tertiary institution chess talent in a highly competitive and exciting tournament. After five intense rounds of action, TESAZ 1 emerged as the champions of the Open Section with an impressive score of 4.5/5 points, finishing half a point ahead of runners-up ZUS 1. The tournament showcased exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship from all…
ZCF Honors Haigh Park Primary School for Champion Making Chess Program
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) presented Haigh Park Primary School with the AYCC trophy in recognition of the school’s successful chess program ,accredited with supporting Talent Nota, Zimbabwe’s sole medalist at the Africa Youth Chess Championship in December 2025. Talent Nota, who is on a ZCF scholarship, trained through the school’s program. ZCF Secretary/Executive Director Tapiwa Gora visited Haigh Park to see firsthand the training methods/and those behind its medal producing strategy, which the federation says could be replicated at…
14-Year-Old Tehillah Makwiranzou Stuns at Nationals with Remarkable Top-Six Finish
At just 14 years of age, Tehillah Makwiranzou has announced herself on the grand stage of Zimbabwean chess in a way few could have imagined. Making her debut at the 2026 National Championships, Tehillah didn’t simply participate, she delivered a performance that has captured the attention of the entire chess community. In a tournament dominated by seasoned and experienced players, Tehillah shattered expectations by becoming one of the youngest participants in the competition’s history. Yet, what followed was even more…