Slider
Matabeleland North holds chess championships
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) held its Matabeleland North championships over the weekend, which saw 145 primary and secondary schools taking part.
Held at Victoria Falls’ St Josephine Bakita School, the competition saw players being classified under three categories, namely the nine years and below, 10 to 14 years, in primary school and the open section which comprised secondary students and adults.
The tournament started at 09:30AM, with the over nine players paired first by Sevilla application and the speed of play was 25 minutes per player and the championship in the category was won by Duncan Mahala from Chinotimba Primary School, who walked away with a prize money of US$20.
In the under nine category, Cayline Ndlovu an eight-year-old female player from the host school also took home the same amount as Mahala while the open section was scoped by Andile Ngwenya, who also walked away with a prize money of US$ 30 and a branded T shirt from ZCF Matabeleland North.
Ngwenya broke a record by beating the defending champion, Kripo Chivhenge who has been reigning since 2017 and Tadisa Mutero won the best scholar category.
The sport has been growing since its introduction in the province in 2017 although other districts like Nkayi, Lupane, Binga, Umguza, Bubi and Tsholotsho have not participated citing resource constraints.
The province got its chess equipment donation in 2019 from Project Chess Zimbabwe, which donated 150 chess sets and 20 clocks for use in training.
Clive Mphambela and Kripo Chivhenge spearheaded the project to introduce chess in schools with sponsorship from Chris Flowers and Kasparov Chess Foundation Africa with an aim to promote chess among young people.
Chivhenge, who is ZCF chairman, said plans were in place to spread the game to other districts.
“Distance is the barrier. Our province has districts that are far apart unlike other provinces like Bulawayo.
“So, we hope that in future, as the economy stabilises, we will be having all districts attending tourneys,” Chivhenge said.
“Chess comes with a lot of benefits as it improves the learners’ thinking and calculation.
“They become analytic even in real life situations, discipline on and off the board.
“Most of our players are geniuses in Maths and we encourage heads of schools to adopt the game.”
Fide arbiter-elect at the tournament Mqondisi Ndlovu said it had demonstrated that there was a lot of talent in the province and players had a clear understanding of the rules of the game.
“We have a lot of upcoming talent and if nurtured well, at secondary level, we can produce an international master and fide master from this region,” Ndlovu said.
He said what fascinated him the most was the players’ understanding of chess rules, especially in the use of clocks.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
-
Slider3 years agoInnscor launches brewery to produce Nyathi beer
-
National4 years agoIn perched rural Matabeleland North, renewable energy is vital
-
Opinion3 years agoA street art mural in Zimbabwe exposes a divided society
-
Tourism and Environment4 years agoStrive Masiyiwa’s daughter opens luxury Victoria Falls lodge
-
National2 years agoCommission of inquiry findings fail to be tabled as Victoria Falls councillors fight
-
National3 years agoVictoria Falls’ pilot dies in helicopter crash
-
National2 years agoHwange coal miner fires workers over salary dispute
-
National4 years agoVictoria Falls bartender gored to death by elephant