Cheshire Home players shine at Zambezi champs

Chess
Mariud Ngula
  • 7 Hours Ago

Young chess players from Katima Mulilo Cheshire Home were among the medal winners at the Zambezi Chess Championship held at Wildkids Academy in Katima Mulilo last weekend.

The championship, organised by the Zambezi Chess Association (ZCA), attracted 58 players from schools and clubs across the town, including children with disabilities from Cheshire Home who competed alongside their peers.

The tournament also raised awareness about breast cancer as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

ZCA chairperson Vincent Mhike said the participation of children from the home demonstrated how chess can bring players of different backgrounds and abilities together.

“We had children who wheel themselves to the board sitting across from children who run to it, and on that board they were equals,” he said.

“At the same time, we wanted every mother in the hall to leave thinking about her own health. Chess gave us a way to say both things on one day.”

The seven-round Swiss-system rapid tournament featured ten award categories across the Open and girls’ sections, from U9 upwards, with 25 girls making up 43% of the field.

The games were played under a ten-minute time control, with round-robin play also used in smaller sections.


Championship results

Open: 1 Adonis Mpofu, 2 Valdez Kautumba, 3 Laino Nghishidimbwa.

Open U17: 1 Bravo Katjijova (sole competitor).

Open U15: 1 Finn Nehemia, 2 Aldrin Simbi, 3 Nathan Coetzee.

Girls U15 (two competitors): 1 Zambwe Chuma, 2 Elizabeth Amagulu.

Open U13: 1 Ashley Mumbone, 2 Muyoba Matengu, 3 Milinga Mukelebai.

Girls U13: 1 Makatendeka Mpofu, 2 Grace Mushaukwa, 3 Mushomana Nkando.

Open U11: 1 Bandile Nyanthi, 2 Liberty Kacelo, 3 Peace Shamulele.

Girls U11: 1 Yolander Tawana, 2 Nakamwi Mukobela, 3 Tuli Nehemia.

Open U9: 1 George Uuzombala, 2 Roi Naghambe, 3 Silva Alexander.

Girls U9: 1 Jodee Masake, 2 Aminah Matengu, 3 Hopeall Hikemani.


Breast cancer awareness

Away from the board, ZCA used the championship to promote breast cancer awareness, with officials wearing pink shirts to encourage mothers and guardians to prioritise their health and early screening.

The association also plans to build on children from Cheshire Home’s participation by introducing regular chess coaching at the home.

Mhike said the association hopes to create more opportunities for girls and establish pathways for talented players from the region to compete nationally and internationally.

All 27 medallists received medals and stationery prize packs, which included educational puzzles and school supplies.

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