$100End of Season 1 Prize FundEarned across tournaments, puzzles and club competition
The Zimbabwe Chess Team is back home after two weeks of intense competition at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The final delegation landed safely at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, in the evening, led by the Team Captain and Head of Delegation, Mr Kudakwashe Sibanda. The first part of the delegation had safely landed on Monday 28 September 2026. While Team Zimbabwe did not secure a team prize, both teams put up...
Zimbabwe Chess received international recognition after being honoured with the prestigious Kick starter Award at the 2026 FIDE Year of Chess in Education Awards, recognising the country's progress and commitment to promoting and expanding Chess in Education (CIE). The award was presented to Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) President Mr Todd Mapingire at the FIDE Chess in Education Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, by FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand and FIDE Management Board Chairperson Mrs Dana Reizniece Ozola on behalf of International...
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation is proud to congratulate Tapiwa Jele on attaining the Candidate Master (CM) title at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This achievement is even more special as it was Tapiwa's maiden appearance at the Chess Olympiad, where he represented the nation with great pride on the world stage. For the 2025 Zimbabwe National Chess Champion, this title was long overdue and is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and consistent performance over...
Zimbabwe chess Federation is proud to celebrate Carol Ndlovu on the attainment of the WFM conditional title. This is a major step forward for our young player, and her progress will be confirmed as she reaches 1900 ratings. Carol's chess journey is only just beginning at the age of 17, yet she has already earned the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe in the Women's team, a remarkable achievement that started with her first Olympiad debut in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Keep pushing, Carol!...
Zimbabwe Chess Federation, Congratulates Emarald Mushore, on attaining the FIDE Master (FM) title at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand after scoring 6 wins out of 9 Games. This is a well deserved milestone after a long journey of dedication, discipline, and consistent effort. Your achievement reflects not only your talent, but also the focus and perseverance it takes to compete at the highest level. We celebrate you today. Well done, Mushore! Wishing you even greater success as you continue...
On behalf of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation and the entire chess family of Zimbabwe, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Timur Turlov on his election as the new President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) at the 2026 FIDE Congress in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. His election comes at a pivotal time for world chess, and we have no doubt that his vision and leadership will take our beloved game to greater heights. The Zimbabwe Chess Federation looks forward...
Uzbekistan Olympiad 2026 Reflections (1).pdf Uzbekistan Olympiad 2026 Reflections (2).pdf Uzbekistan Olympiad 2026 Reflections (3).pdf Uzbekistan Olympiad 2026 Reflections (4).pdf
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) warmly welcomes home the Zimbabwe Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Chess Team, who touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport today following their participation on the international chess stage. The returning team received a heartfelt welcome from ZCF President Mr. Todd Mapingire and ZCF Communications Director Mr. Agab Dozva, who were on hand to celebrate the players and acknowledge their efforts and commitment. Family members and friends also gathered at the airport, creating a warm...
Chess South Africa is deeply concerned about the unresolved visa challenges affecting members of our delegation and several other African representatives attending the Chess Olympiad and FIDE Congress in Samarkand
With its highest ever (22) delegation of players and officials, Zimbabwe Chess is set to showcase the country's strength, depth, and growing global presence in chess. This is not just a team, it's global representation in all sections and officiating at Fide level.From PWD, Open, and Women players, to leadership across the board with Captains and Officials, and a full complement of Arbiters, Appeals Arbiter, and the Delegate to congress, Zimbabwe is proving that its chess presence belongs on the...
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) is inviting corporates, institutions, government ministries, professional bodies, and other organisations to partner with the Federation in developing workplace chess and corporate chess programmes. Chess offers a unique platform for employee wellness, engagement, team building, strategic thinking, and healthy competition. Organisations can incorporate chess into their employee wellness programmes through regular chess sessions, internal competitions, inter-company tournaments, and sectoral or ministerial chess championships. As a technical partner, ZCF will provide the expertise and professional support...
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) warmly congratulates Jarmil Ndoro on the successful attainment of the prestigious FIDE International Arbiter (IA) title. Earning the International Arbiter title is a significant milestone that reflects years of dedication, discipline, patience, and continuous professional development. For IA Jarmil Ndoro, the journey to this level has been built on unwavering commitment, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility to the game of chess. Over the years, IA Ndoro has played an important role in the...
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) warmly congratulates Mr. Benson Magomo on the successful attainment of the prestigious FIDE International Arbiter (IA) title. This significant achievement marks an important milestone in Mr. Magomo's chess journey and further strengthens Zimbabwe's growing presence within the international chess community. The International Arbiter title reflects his knowledge, commitment, professionalism, and dedication to maintaining the highest standards of chess officiating. Beyond his achievements as an arbiter, Mr. Magomo continues to contribute to the development and administration...
The AOC, Free State Chess and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Mzansi Youth Chess Championship 2026 hereby issue a Call for Applications for the appointment of Arbiters and [...]
In a late-August interview with Africa Chess Media, Jan Henric Buettner, IM Malcolm Pein and Vukani Dlamini spent an hour telling Africa Chess what their FIDE
MINERVA ZIM OPEN 2026 -- WHERE CHAMPIONS RISE! The Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess 2026 came to a successful conclusion at the Heritage Virtual Centre, Tynwald Primary School, bringing five days of competitive chess, regional participation, development and corporate engagement under the Minerva brand. From the opening move on Wednesday to Sunday's final battles, the Minerva Zim Open delivered a vibrant chess festival featuring the Open A, Open B, Ladies, Development and Corporate Sections. The tournament attracted players across different levels...
The President further thanked the Tournament Director Mr Agab Dozva and the Arbitration Team led by Chief Arbiter IA Chimbamu and his team for their professionalism in officiating the event. ZCF Communications And Public Relations Director Agab Dozva
The Wizkid and New Sheriff in Town Announces His Arrival on the Zimbabwean Chess Scene. Kukudzarema has announced his arrival on the Zimbabwean chess scene in spectacular fashion, claiming the 6th Edition of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open Chess Championship with a commanding performance. The rising star, who is on course to become a FIDE Master, has made history by capturing the prestigious title in only his 26th competitive game. His remarkable run saw him produce a 2400-rated performance--his second such...
HARARE, Sunday 23 August 2026: The Minerva Zim Open reaches its grand finale today at the Heritage Virtual Centre, Tynwald Primary School, with the final Classical round set to determine the champions. After yesterday's Round 7 and Round 8 battles, the race has reached its most exciting stage! OPEN A -- KUKUDZAREMA LEADS THE WAY Shephered Kukudzarema takes a slender lead on 7 points after drawing with IM Gillan Bwalya in Round 8. Bwalya is on 6½, while Augustine Mtonga...
Zimbabwe made its mark in the heart of Maputo as FM Roy Mwadzura and WFM Tanaka Dziyanyi proudly represented the country at the prestigious CPLP and SADC Chess Tournament in Mozambique. It was Tanaka Dziyanyi who stole the spotlight and etched her name into the tournament's history. Zimbabwe's highest-rated women's player delivered a dominant performance, reigning supreme in both the premier SADC Rapid and Blitz championships. With composure, precision, and relentless determination, she swept both events, claiming the overall gold...
The AFCL Grand Premier Blitz Open marks a new chapter for Africa Chess, creating another platform for players to compete regularly, discover new opponents and connect with the wider continental chess community.
Day Four is here at the Heritage Virtual Centre, Tynwald Primary School, as the Minerva Zim Open moves towards its decisive final rounds. Here's where the main sections stood after yesterday's six rounds: OPEN A -- KUKUDZAREMA TAKES THE LEAD Shephered Kukudzarema leads the Minerva Open A with an impressive 5½ points. IM Gillan Bwalya and Jele Tapiwa follow on 5 points, while Spencer Masango remains firmly in contention on 4½. OPEN B -- MBABVU PERFECT! The Minerva Open B...
HARARE, Friday 21 August 2026: The Minerva Zim Open enters Day Three at the Heritage Virtual Centre, Tynwald Primary School, with the battle intensifying after four rounds. OPEN A: Masango Spencer leads on 4 points, followed by Kukudzarema Shephered on 3½. IM Gillan Bwalya and CM Kaulule Siame Kela are among those on 3 points, with Zambia's Augustine Mtonga and Timothy Kabwe still firmly in contention. OPEN B: Chipamba Walter leads outright on 4 points after defeating previously unbeaten Matiringe...
The Minerva International Open is gathering momentum at the Heritage Virtual Centre at Tynwald Primary School, bringing together a strong field of Zimbabwean and regional players for a five-day celebration of competitive chess. The Minerva International Open commenced on Wednesday and enters Day Two today, with Open A, Open B and the Ladies Section having completed two rounds of Classical chess. Two rounds are being played on most days, with the final round scheduled for Sunday. The Minerva International Open...
Minerva Risk Advisors has injected US$10,000 into the 2026 Zim Minerva Chess Open, reaffirming its commitment to the development of chess in Zimbabwe. The sponsorship will support the sixth edition of the tournament, with the company saying its partnership with the Zimbabwe Chess Federation will continue into the future. Speaking at the sponsorship announcement, Minerva director of Healthcare and Group Marketing Nicholas Chekera said the company had supported the federation for almost five years and remained committed to growing the...
As the chess world looks towards the 2026 FIDE Presidential Elections, the three presidential candidates: Jan Henric Buettner, Wadim Rosenstein and Timur
Thirty-Eight Limpopo Teachers Certified as School Chess Supervisors Mastec Tivumbeni College, Tzaneen 8-9 August 2026 Limpopo has become the first province under the new training framework to deliver a full [...]
Womens Day - Message from President Hendricks_260810_001716 Download
𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗗𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘...𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗜𝗧. "It is possible for a woman to beat the world champion."- Judit Polgár Today, we celebrate the women who play, coach, arbitrate, [...]
This Women's Day, Chess South Africa invites women and girls from across the chess community to share their stories, experiences and dreams. Record a short video answering the five questions [...]
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗲𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 | 𝟭𝟯-𝟭𝟵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 The nation's finest young chess players will come together to represent their provinces in a week of teamwork, determination, unforgettable battles, and championship ambition. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 [...]
Chess is more than a game.Across Africa, it is a tool for education, a pathway for young talent, a source of opportunity, a competitive sport, and a growing
Every September, a new generation of young chess players gather with the same dream; to prove that they belong among Nigeria's brightest talents. Some arrive
The African Continental Stage of the FIDE/ISCF World Schools Team Chess Championship came to a memorable conclusion in Stellenbosch, South Africa, as Uganda's
The African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 officially began on Tuesday at the Coetzenburg Centre in Stellenbosch,
The stage is set, the pieces are in place, and Team Zimbabwe is ready to take on the region at the 2026 Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games. Representing the nation with pride, determination, and excellence, our university chess teams will compete against the finest student players from across Southern Africa, carrying the hopes of a nation renowned for producing world-class chess talent. ♟️ CHESS MEN Coach: Mandla Ndaba • Katsande Tanaka• Moyo Blessing• Ngwenya Ronald T.•...
The 2026 Commissioner General Behind the Wall Chess Championship reached a historic milestone as a record 242 participants took part in the prestigious tournament held at Khami Prison in Bulawayo, making it the largest edition of the championship since its inception. The remarkable turnout reflects the rapid growth of chess within the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) and underscores the success of collaborative efforts between the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service to promote...
In a significant moment of international recognition, Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) President Mr. Todd Mapingire presented Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Commissioner General Dr. Moses Cyril Chihobvu with FIDE Certificates of Recognition on behalf of the FIDE Social Commission, in honour of the outstanding achievements of the ZPCS chess team on the continental stage. The prestigious recognition celebrates the exceptional performance of Zimbabwe's correctional chess programme, which has become a beacon of excellence in Africa. Through the dedication of...
Mr. Dongo, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) Social Chess Director, was formally recognised by Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Commissioner General Dr. Moses Cyril Chihobvu for his exceptional dedication and outstanding contribution to the growth and success of prison chess in Zimbabwe. The recognition follows Zimbabwe's remarkable achievements on the continental stage, where the country's inmate chess teams delivered outstanding performances by winning the Open Section title and securing the Second Runner-Up position in the Ladies' Section. These accomplishments...
