THE 2026 Crystal Candy Zimbabwe National School Chess Tournament concluded on a high, with Cheziya High School from Gokwe crowned champions in Mutare on Sunday.
The Gokwe-based powerhouse outmanoeuvred fierce competition to be crowned overall champions, while Runyararo Primary School finished second and Chipadze Primary School claimed third place.
In the highly competitive Under-14 category, Budiriro 4 Primary School emerged victorious, earning the right to represent Zimbabwe at the Africa Schools Chess Championship in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 6 to 11.
The national finals, held from May 29 to 31 at Marymount Teachers’ College in Mutare, brought together 80 teams from the country's 10 provinces, involving more than 800 players in one of the country's largest school chess tournaments.
Addressing participants at the closing ceremony, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Misheck Mugadza praised the Zimbabwe Chess Federation for organising a tournament of such magnitude.
“Great things start with vision, and with guts,” Mugadza said. “To the Zimbabwe Chess Federation Board and the president Todd Mapingire, and your board, you refused to think small. Eighty teams from the 10 provinces are hosted in a venue that honours the talent in this room. And you brought a partner like Crystal Candy alongside you. That takes leadership. The kind that builds quietly and lets others shine. This country is grateful.”
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He also commended team captains and coaches for guiding young players through the pressure of competition, saying the event’s impact extended far beyond the trophies and medals on offer.
“What unfolded in this hall goes beyond the chessboard,” Mugadza said. “Friendships were forged across provinces. Character was tested. Resilience was discovered. You arrived as individuals and as teams. You leave as one chess family.”
The tournament was sponsored by Crystal Candy, whose support organisers say reflects a commitment to nurturing intellectual development among Zimbabwean youth.
Mugadza hailed the company’s contribution to the growth of school chess.
“To Crystal Candy, Mr Psillos, and your team, you did more than sponsor a tournament. You placed your belief in the intellectual development of Zimbabwean children. In a world that often rewards noise, you chose depth. You chose strategy,” he said.
Crystal Candy chief executive officer Jimmy Psillos reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting youth development through chess.
“Crystal Candy is very proud to be associated with the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and to support the Schools Chess Championship,” he said.
“We highly value the Federation’s efforts to promote chess in schools, as it is an excellent and healthy pastime for young people. Chess helps develop critical thinking, concentration, discipline, problem-solving skills, and sportsmanship — qualities that are invaluable both in the classroom and in later life.”
As Under-14 champions, Budiriro 4 will travel to South Africa on a fully funded trip to compete against the continent's best young players.
“Our national champions will proceed to represent Zimbabwe at the African Schools Chess Championship in Cape Town, South Africa, from the 6th to the 11th of July, with all expenses catered for, from flights to accommodation, courtesy of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation,” Mugadza said.
“They will carry our flag onto the continental stage. They will sit among Africa’s finest young minds. They do not go as participants, but as competitors. Cape Town will know that Zimbabwe has arrived.”
As the pieces are packed away and post-match analysis begins, the 2026 championships will be remembered not only for the titles won, but also for inspiring confidence, discipline and ambition in hundreds of young Zimbabweans.