By Tatiana Mhararira
National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) Masvingo district conducted chess tournament with schools around Masvingo district gathering at Zimuto High School on February 28, to select a team that will represent the district at the provincial finals.
The competition consisted of eight zones who were competing in 7 different age groups namely under 13,14,15,16,17,18 and 20.
Panashe Mudenga from Mutendi High won the gold medal in U13 age group while Simon Chinyepe from Vic High and Benevolence Jeke won silver and bronze medals respectively.
Abiud Venge from Bere High, Takudzwa Mazikana from Shingirirai College and Wellington Makoni won gold, silver and bronze in the U14 category.
In the U15 category, Akona Chaora from Mutendi High scooped the gold medal while the silver went to his school mate Macdavid Soni and the bronze medal went to Ray of Hope Academy with Liberty Mayiwa.
Passionate Maburutse of Temmeraire won gold in the U16 category while the silver medal went Tinotenda Mustvangwa from Mucheke High and the bronze went to Chikanya Ushe of Masvingo Christian College.
In the U17 age group, the gold medal went to Prominence Dube from Vic High, Ignatius Mhaka from Temmeraire scooped the silver medal while Malvern Chiwara from Mutendi High won the bronze medal.
Abiud Venge from Mutendi high scooped gold in the U18 category, Takudzwa Mazikana of Vic High scooped the silver medal and Wellington Makoni from Masvingo Day went home with the bronze medal.
The Gold medal in the U20 age group went to Mutendi High with Mike Muza while the silver medal went to Keith Chiweshe of Gokomere High and the bronze medal went to Washington Mapanzure from Masvingo Christian.
Temeraire’s Rutendo Hwede who won a gold medal in the 2024 national finals scooped a gold medal in the U17 girls’ category and was named best player of the tournament.
Speaking to TellZim News, Temeraire High chess coach Moses Kujinga said the tournament had a large turnout and had intelligent players.
“The tournament had a huge turnout and players were very excited to be participating in the tournament.
“Chess is an indoor game usually played by individuals who have mental prowess who will be fighting to win the game on table,” said Kujinga.
Kujinga said his words of encouragement to players was chess is a traditional game which becomes more interesting as one continued to play it.
“Chess is one of the ancient games which will never become outdated. It’s a unique game which is very rich game and has endless possibilities.
“It’s also very complex but it becomes more interesting as you understand it more,” said Kujinga.
The gold and silver medalists will represent the district in the provincial competitions to be held at a date and venue to be announced.
