ZCF Blog
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…
In Memoriam: A Tribute to Kripo Chivhenge
Dear Chess Community, It is with profound sadness that the Zimbabwe Chess Federation announces the passing of Kripo Chivhenge, who departed on 25 April 2026 at approximately 4:00 PM. He passed away following a brief illness resulting from a leg injury sustained during a social soccer match. Kripo served with distinction as the Chairman for the Matabeleland North province and was the visionary driving force behind Project Chess Zimbabwe (PCZ) in Victoria Falls. His unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent…
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…
School Scholarship Award for Zimbabwe Only Medalist at the AYCC in December 2025
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has awarded Talent Nota of Haigh Park Primary School a full school scholarship commencing 2026 first term in recognition of her exceptional performance at the Africa Youth Chess Festival held in Harare in December 2025. Talent a female player in Grade 3 at Haigh Park primary school in Harare emerged as the only Zimbabwean medalist at the event.A remarkable achievement that brought pride to the chess community and the nation. What the scholarship covers A…
From Champion to Commander: Tapiwa Gora’s Winning Move Behind the Scenes
Once a National Schools Champion at the height of his playing days, Tapiwa Gora has taken a different, yet equally impactful path within the chess community. Rather than returning to the board for the 2026 Zimbabwe National Chess Championships, Gora embraced the demanding roles of Tournament Director and Team Captain—positions that require precision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the success of the event. While the competition on the board was fierce, his influence off it proved just as vital.…