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 players, all competing for national honours and the opportunity to earn the right to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage.
The stakes are high, as winners in their respective categories will qualify to represent Zimbabwe at the 2026 Africa Schools Chess Championship set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 6–11 July 2026.
The Crystal Candy Finals continue to play a pivotal role in nurturing and identifying the next generation of Zimbabwean chess champions while promoting academic excellence, discipline, and critical thinking among young people.
With intense competition expected, chess enthusiasts, schools, parents, and supporters are encouraged to rally behind their teams as Zimbabwe’s brightest minds prepare for battle on the chessboard.