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 they navigated a highly competitive field comprising schools from across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces.
The Crystal Candy Schools National Chess Championship has grown into one of the country’s premier scholastic sporting events, bringing together hundreds of learners to compete at the highest level while promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, discipline, and sportsmanship. This year’s edition attracted more than 600 participants representing 108 school teams, making the competition one of the largest schools chess gatherings in Zimbabwe.
Cheziya High School’s victory in the Under-18 Open section was particularly significant given the depth of talent on display throughout the championship. The team showcased outstanding composure under pressure and consistently produced strong results against formidable opponents, ultimately earning the title of national champions.
Their achievement is a source of immense pride not only for the school but also for the Gokwe community and Midlands Province as a whole. The gold medal-winning performance serves as an inspiration to aspiring young chess players across the country, demonstrating that excellence can be achieved through determination, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
As national champions, Cheziya High School has further cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in school chess and added another memorable chapter to the school’s sporting history. Their success at the Crystal Candy Schools National Chess Championship stands as a testament to the growing strength of scholastic chess in Zimbabwe and the bright future of the nation’s young intellectual athletes.