By Decide Nhendo
Temaraire High School has again proved to be nurturing some of finest chess players in the country after its boys and girls teams scooped gold medals and were named best teams for both at the just ended 2024 Masvingo Provincial Director’s tournament held in Chiredzi.
Speaking to TellZim News, Temaraire High School Chess Coach Moses Kujinga confirmed the triumph and said it was a challenging competition among learners although the school managed to sail through the tough competition and brought home the two medals.
He also said the school scooped two gold medals for under 16 boys and another gold for Temeraire High School’s top chess player Rutendo Hwede.
“We won best team medals for both boys and girls at the games held in Chiredzi, even though it was a tough competition especially against Chiredzi Christian and Mucheke.
“Ignatius Mhaka won under16 boys gold medal and Rutendo Hwede won it for girls in the same category,” said Kujinga.
Kujinga said Hwede who is the Child Member of Parliament for Masvingo West was an exceptional talent who has managed to come up with a prize at every competition she takes part in be it in sport or academics.
“Rutendo is an exceptional player because in most tournaments she takes part in, she brings home a medal and often times gold medal.
“She has won under 16 chess girls medal at the Provincial Director’s games last term at Chipindura in Bindura, was the winner of the under 16 Chess Nationals and is supposed to represent Masvingo at the African Youth Games to be held in South Africa on June 21,” said Kujinga.
Kujinga applauded organizers of the tournament saying the games gave learners enough time to practice and nurture their talents which helps them reach greater heights as they realise their capabilities in various fields of sport.
“The games that learners participate in are important as they give learners time to practice which helps learners to realize their full potential and capabilities in the fields,” said Kujinga.
Mucheke High School chess coach Mushamaizana Zvishamiso said the tournament was a success and there was a great competition between learners from all the schools who took part in the tournament.
“The games were a great success, and what was exhilarating most was the way learners from different schools were competing trying to defeat Temaraire which is known for having exceptional talents,” said Zvishamiso.
This year’s edition of Masvingo Government Schools Association ball games were hosted at Chiredzi Government High School.
Nine high schools Mwenezi Government, Victoria High, Ngundu Government School, Ndarama High, Malipati High, Temaraire High, Chiredzi Government, Mucheke High and Mazungunye High participated in the tourney.
Five primary schools Helen McGhie, Chiredzi primary, Victoria Junior, Nyoni and Hillside primary took part in the competitions.
Last year’s edition of the secondary schools was held at Victoria High School whilst the primary schools category took place at Victoria Junior Primary.