THE Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) is basking in the brilliant success of the recently concluded 4th Edition of the Crystal Candy National Schools Team Chess Tournament, an event that has officially cemented its status as a monumental milestone for grassroots sports development in the country.
Hosted at Marymount Teachers College in Mutare, Manicaland last weekend, the tournament didn’t just meet expectations — it shattered them.
Gathering over 800 of the nation’s brightest young minds, the festival of chess left the federation riding a wave of immense pride and optimism for the future of the sport.
For ZCF president Todd Mapingire, the sheer scale and smooth execution of the tournament represent a massive victory for the current leadership’s vision of national inclusivity.
Having successfully rotated the prestigious tournament through Harare, Bulawayo and the Midlands in previous years, the seamless takeover by Manicaland proved that the appetite for chess spans the entire length and breadth of Zimbabwe.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mapingire expressed immense satisfaction with how the federation’s flagship schools event has evolved into a powerhouse tournament.
“I’m very happy today for such a wonderful turnout,” a jubilant Mapingire said.
“I’m also happy today that we get to crown a school that is going to represent us in the Africa Chess Championships.”
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He added: “But for me, my joy and happiness is having concluded this tournament on behalf of Zimbabwe Chess, with our partner Crystal Candy.
“We have managed to do other editions in Harare, Bulawayo and Midlands. And this year, we are in Manicaland.
“We hope that the tournament will continue to grow in numbers as we round off all the tournaments in Zimbabwe.”
The high-profile endorsement from the government headlined by the presence of Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Misheck Mugadza, who was the guest of honour, Mutare mayor Simon Chabuka — further validated the federation’s hard work in elevating the sport’s profile.
Adding to the federation’s celebratory mood is the upgraded prestige of the tournament’s stakes.
While past editions focused on invaluable international exposure, such as the partnership that sent Dominican Convent High School to the United States, the 2026 edition took on a higher competitive edge by serving as the direct gateway to continental championship glory.
The ZCF is pulling out all the stops for this year’s prodigies, guaranteeing that the winning Under-14 team will travel to South Africa in style, with every single cost absorbed by the federation.
“The tournament changes in its qualification style every year. Last year, we had under 18s. We managed also to partner with a team that went to the USA, that is Dominican Convent High School. It was a great exposure for the students,” Mapingire explained.
“For this year, the edition has been changed a bit. We will tackle the Africa Chess Championship qualifier in Cape Town from July 6 to 11.
“All expenses for the winning team will be catered for under Zimbabwe Chess Federation from their flights, their accommodation and their boarding in Cape Town.”
The competitive intensity on the boards matched the grand scale of the event.
In the Under-14 Category, Harare’s Budiriro 4 emerged as the undisputed story of the tournament, completing an astonishing double by conquering both the Boys’ and Girls’ divisions.
They will now proudly carry the nation’s hopes — and the ZCF’s full backing — to the continental qualifiers in Cape Town next month.
In the senior Under-18 Category, the formidable Cheziya reinforced their reputation by seizing the Boys’ championship trophy, while a brilliant Liebenberg High School claimed the Under-18 Women’s crown, underscoring the rapid, thrilling rise of female chess in the country.
The overwhelming success of the fourth edition has also solidified the golden corporate marriage between the ZCF and title sponsors Crystal Candy.
The federation showered praise on corporate partner Jimmy Psillos, whose unwavering four-year commitment has acted as the ultimate catalyst for uncovering hidden talent and changing young lives.
As the federation reflects on an organisational masterclass, expertly steered by tournament director Denford Zawu, his arbiters and volunteers, the ZCF is determined to keep this momentum burning bright.
With the 2026 edition written into the history books as an unqualified triumph, the ZCF is already looking forward to keeping the magic alive.
The caravan moves to Mashonaland Central for the fifth edition in 2027, and the federation has officially invited capable schools in that province to step forward and bid for the hosting rights to what is now undeniably one of the crown jewels of Zimbabwean school sports.
