National (Page 5)
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.…
2023 Olympiad Squad: Representing Zimbabwe with Pride and Precision
The Zimbabwe Men’s Chess Olympiad Team stands as a beacon of national excellence, representing not only individual brilliance but also the collective spirit of strategy, discipline, and resilience that defines Zimbabwean chess. Competing at the 2023 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India, the team faced the world’s finest players — from grandmasters to national champions — showcasing both tactical mastery and the unbreakable will to compete at the highest level. Guided by experience, driven by preparation, and united by national…
A Pioneering Partnership: Minerva Risk Advisors & The Zimbabwe Chess Federation
In a landmark collaboration that bridges corporate intelligence and cognitive sport, Minerva Risk Advisors Zimbabwe’s foremost risk management and insurance consultancy has partnered with the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) to redefine how strategic thinking is cultivated across the nation. This pioneering alliance goes far beyond conventional sponsorship. It represents a fusion of two disciplines that share a common DNA: the art of foresight, risk evaluation, and decisive execution. Through chess, Minerva is nurturing a new generation of risk-aware leaders, trained…
Zimbabwe Chess Federation Empowers Women Players
In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era for chess in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has taken decisive action to promote gender equality and women’s representation in the sport’s leadership structures. This progressive step demonstrates the federation’s unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse chess community. Historic Appointments to the Selection CommitteeThe appointment of Tafadzwa and Fungiraini as members of the ZCF selection committee marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwean chess history. These two…
Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Minerva Zim Open Chess Championship
It is with immense pride and joy that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding winners of the 2025 Minerva Zim Open Chess Championship. This prestigious tournament has once again showcased the remarkable talent and competitive spirit that defines Zimbabwean chess. Spencer Masango – Silver MedalistSpencer, your exceptional performance throughout this championship has been nothing short of extraordinary. Claiming the silver medal is a testament to your strategic brilliance, mental fortitude, and unwavering dedication to the noble game of…