THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has awarded a four-year academic scholarship to eight-year-old prodigy Tariro Talent Nota following her silver medal win at the 16th African Youth Chess Championships.
The award, which covers school fees and uniforms, recognises Nota as the sole Zimbabwean medallist at the continental tournament held in Harare last December.
Competing in the Under-8 Girls category, Nota secured second place with an elite 7/9 score.
ZCF executive director Tapiwa Gora described the scholarship as a move to ensure the youngster’s focus remains on both the chessboard and the classroom, hailing her as a shining beacon for the nation.
“Tariro’s achievement represents not only a personal victory, but a collective triumph for our nation,” Gora stated.
“In a tournament dominated by giants of the game from across Africa, she showed the heart, discipline, and strategic brilliance that we aim to cultivate in all our youth.
“Winning a medal at this level requires immense focus; she has not only made her family and coaches proud but has also elevated the profile of Zimbabwean chess internationally.”
Gora emphasised that the silver medal is the beginning of better things to come, noting that the ZCF is dedicated to nurturing talent that brings pride to our flag.
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For Tariro’s mother, Lydia Sadowera, the recognition marks the culmination of a journey that began in the high-density suburb of Budiriro 2 when Tariro was just four years old.
“I am delighted as Talent’s mother that she managed to win the only medal for Zimbabwe,” Sadowera said.
“Talent started playing chess when she was only four... It all started in Budiriro 2 when she became part of the club coached by Cephas Mukondo.
“She continued to play even when she started school and chess helped her to be intelligent”
Sadowera noted that the scholarship has “lightened the burden” for the family and further motivated the young athlete.
“Every time she went for tournaments she would win gold medals, which encouraged her to keep playing and fall in love with the game.”
In addition to the scholarship, the ZCF donated five chess boards to Tariro’s school, Haig Park Primary, to bolster grassroots development.
The federation also invited corporate sponsors to partner in its mission to empower the next generation of Zimbabwean chess stars.
