By Cloud Fusire
SPORTS WRITER
ALL is set for the finals of the inaugural Crystal Candy National Schools Chess League that are set to take place at Cornelius Hope Academy in Goodhope in the capital tomorrow.
The prestigious event, which is organised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) in partnership with Crystal Candy Zimbabwe, has seen an overwhelming response from schools across the country.
The Crystal Candy National Schools Chess League which consists of two phases, namely the provincial competitions and the national event, is aimed at fostering chess talent and promote healthy competition among students and has in its maiden year witnessed an impressive participation of over 150 primary and secondary schools from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.
The provincial competitions, held between May and June, were a platform for schools to showcase their chess prowess and after intense battles on the chess board, the top two provincial representatives emerged in the Primary Boys, Primary Girls, Secondary Boys, and Secondary Girls categories.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated finals, ZCF president Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi said they were anticipating a highly competitive event.
“The event promises to be intense and exciting and such competitions are what our sport needs to grow. We are grateful to Crystal Candy Zimbabwe for their invaluable support and commitment in making this league a resounding success as well as their determination to grow our chess in Zimbabwe. Their commitment to nurturing young chess talent is commendable and aligns with ZCF’s vision of promoting chess as a sport and educational tool,” said Mkanganwi.
Full list of participating schools:
Mashonaland East:
– Secondary Boys: Liebernburg High School, Assisi High
– Secondary Girls: Liebernburg High School, Waddilove High
– Primary Boys: Runyararo Primary, Goodhope Primary
– Primary Girls: Runyararo Primary, Makumimavi Primary
Midlands:
– Secondary Boys: Cheziya High, Mbizo High
– Secondary Girls: Cheziya High, Maryward School
– Primary Boys: Errymaple Junior, CZM Primary School
– Primary Girls: Errymaple Junior, Gwehava Primary School
Bulawayo:
– Secondary Boys: David Livingstone, Higher Learning Centre
– Secondary Girls: David Livingstone, Higher Learning Centre
– Primary Boys: JW Mthikhulu, Mazwi Primary
– Primary Girls: JW Mthikhulu, Mazwi Primary
Mashonaland West:
– Secondary Boys: Nemakonde High, Sabina Mugabe High
– Secondary Girls: Nemakonde High, Sabina Mugabe High
– Primary Boys: Ngezi Primary, ZRP Primary
– Primary Girls: Ngezi Primary, ZRP Primary
Mashonaland Central:
– Secondary Boys: Centre Zim Africa, St Francis &St Claire
– Secondary Girls: Howard High, St Francis &St Claire
– Primary Boys: Mupfurudzi Primary, Umvukwes Primary
– Primary Girls: Mupfurudzi Primary, Tsungubvi Primary
Matabeleland North:
– Secondary Boys: Grace Mission, Matetsi High
– Secondary Girls: Grace Mission, Matetsi High
– Primary Boys: Happy Hearts, Baobab Primary
– Primary Girls: Mother Touch Vic Falls, Happy Hearts
Matabeleland South:
– Secondary Boys: Gwanda High, Zezani High
– Secondary Girls: Thekwane High, Gwanda High
– Primary Boys: Allan Redfern, Thekwane High Pry
– Primary Girls: Allan Redfern, Thekwane High Pry
Masvingo:
– Secondary Boys: Ndarama High, Masvingo Day
– Secondary Girls: Ndarama High, Masvingo Day
– Primary Boys: Murray McDougal, Chikato Pry
– Primary Girls: Murray McDougal, Chikato Pry
Manicaland:
– Secondary Boys: St Faith, St Matthias Tsonzo
– Secondary Girls: St Matthias Tsonzo, St David Bonda
– Primary Boys: Matione Pry, St Noah Pry
– Primary Girls: Matione Pry, St Noah Pry
Harare:
– Secondary Boys: Allan Wilson, Seke High 1
– Secondary Girls: Girls High, Zengeza High 1
– Primary Boys: Alfred Beit, Budiriro 3
– Primary Girls: Haig Park Primary, Budiriro Primary
ATS:
– Secondary Boys: St Georges
Host School:
– Secondary Boys: Cornelius Hope Academy
– Secondary Girls: Cornelius Hope Academy
– Primary Boys: Cornelius Hope Academy
– Primary Girls: Cornelius Hope Academy
