By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Two talented learners from Masvingo, Zimbabwe, are appealing for assistance to participate in the Africa Schools Individual Chess Championship 2025, scheduled to take place in Mombasa, Kenya, from May 22 to 29.
A total of US$1600 is required to cover their airfare and other requirements to compete against top young players from across Africa in the Chess International Tournament.
The tournament offers a golden opportunity for the students to gain international exposure and experience, but financial constraints are hindering their participation.
The two are Shalom Hunda from Rufaro High who secured gold medal in under 15 girls and Rutendo Hwede from Temeraire High School who scooped bronze in under 17 in Chinhoyi recently.
Masvingo Chess Coach Moses Kujinga appealed to well-wishers for them to meet the May 5 deadline which requires participants to have purchased their tickets.
“We are appealing for US$1 600 to cover the airfare for Hunda and Hwede, who have qualified to participate in the 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championships at Reef Hotel Mombasa, Kenya.
“We require US$800 per air ticket and we are calling for well-wishers and the government for assistance. Our main challenge is meeting the May 5 deadline where all participants are expected to have secured their tickets,” said Kujinga.
Kujinga said last year Hwede failed to participate in South Africa due to financial constraints and pleaded with the government to assist with sponsorship.
“In 2024, Hwede won a medal at the NASH competitions and was expected to participate in the Africa Chess Championship in South Africa. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend due to financial constraints. As a province, we require support to overcome these obstacles and ensure that our learners have the chance to represent our country in such tournaments if they qualify,” said Kujinga.
Temeraire High School indicated in a statement that the resources available for Hwede were not enough to cater for all her needs to be comfortable and presentable in such a highly esteemed tournament therefore their plea for support to sponsor her.
