National (Page 4)
FIDE Deputy Chair Dana Reizniece-Ozola’s Landmark Visit Sparks Momentum for Chess in Education in Zimbabwe
FIDE Deputy Chair and Woman Grandmaster Dana Reizniece-Ozola arrived in Zimbabwe for an impactful two day working visit aimed at promoting chess in education. As she stepped off the plane, she was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by a welcoming committee that included the President of the Zimbabwe Chess , Todd Mapingire, Treasurer Dr. Mercy Mushangwe and Woman International Master Anzel Laubscher. On her first day, Dana met with the Hon. Professor Torerai Moyo, the Minister of Primary and Secondary…
ZCF Expands Grassroots Development with National Arbiter Seminar in Matabeleland South
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) is proud to announce the successful commencement of the National Arbiter Seminar in Matabeleland South Province, marking yet another significant step in strengthening chess development at grassroots level. The two-day seminar is being hosted at Manama High School, a venue that has become a vibrant hub of learning and growth for aspiring and existing arbiters in the province. Participants are engaging in intensive training sessions designed to enhance their understanding of chess rules, tournament management,…
ZCF Leadership Achieves International Recognition in Chess Organisation Excellence
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation extends its warmest congratulations to President Todd Mapingire and Treasurer General Mercy Mushangwe on their outstanding achievement of successfully passing the prestigious International Organiser (IO) examinations. This remarkable milestone is a testament to their commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the growth and development of chess in Zimbabwe. By attaining this globally recognized qualification, they have not only enhanced their personal credentials but have also elevated the federation’s capacity to host and manage international-standard chess events.…
ZCF Celebrates New International Arbiters in Major Milestone for Zimbabwe Chess
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) proudly congratulates FA Benson Magomo and FA Blessing Jemani on their outstanding achievement in successfully passing the prestigious International Arbiter (IA) examinations. This remarkable accomplishment not only reflects their individual dedication, discipline, and expertise, but also signals a significant step forward for the growth and professionalisation of chess officiating in Zimbabwe. Their success comes at a pivotal time as the federation intensifies its strategic efforts to strengthen the quality and reach of chess administration across…
Zimbabwe’s Rising Chess Stars Crowned at Spectacular 2026 Youth Championships
HARARE – A new generation of Zimbabwean chess talent announced itself in emphatic fashion on Sunday as the 2026 Zimbabwe Cadets and Youth Chess Championships (ZCYCC) concluded in thrilling style at Dominican Convent School. A record 230 young players converged for what has become one of the country’s most competitive junior tournaments, battling across age categories from Under-8 to Under-18 for national titles — and the honour of representing Zimbabwe on the continental and world stage. Organised by the Zimbabwe…
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 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…
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…
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 carries Zimbabwe hope at Zone 4.5 Chess Championship in Angola
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) is proud to deploy its National Women’s chess Champion for 2025 Christine Makwena as Zimbabwe’s official player at the prestigious Zone 4.5 Chess Championship in Angola. Christine, the defending zonal champion, carries the nation’s hopes as she aims to retain her title and continue her dominance on the regional stage. Earlier today, she paid a courtesy call to ZCF President Mr. Todd Mapingire at Joina City, ahead of her journey to Angola via South Africa.…