Sports
Victoria Falls hosts chess championship games
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
Chess, the newly embraced game in Zimbabwean Schools has taken Matabeleland North Province by storm, with many schools taking it up.
The brain game has gained popularity with players from Early Childhood Development to Secondary Schools.
This year, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation has introduced a National Chess League to be played across the provinces throughout the country, under the Crystal Candy National Schools league banner.
The first League games took place this Saturday and the second will be played on June 24 where each school will field one team each, made up of ten players, five males and five females.
In Matabeleland North, Mosi-oa-Tunya Hihh School is host the primary schools while Grace Mission Secondary takes care of the secondary schools.
Eight primary schools have set themselves for the battle meant to decided on the two teams who will proceed to the second league games in June.
The participating primary schools are Chinotimba, Mother Touch, Baobab, Happy Hearts, Kings and Grace Mission.
A total of eighty players will make up the primary schools competitors while five schools will make up the secondary schools competitors
The league fixtures for secondary school are made up of David Livingstone, Grace Mission, Higher Learning Centre, EATC and Matetsi.
The age groups for primary will be Under 10 Junior and Under 14 Seniors, whilst secondary school learners will play under age groups under 16 and Under 20.
Last term, on March 23 and and 24, a total of 203 secondary school chess players gathered at Lupane’s Mabhikwa High school for Provincial Chess Tournament, making it the highest number so far in the history of Provincial games.
Chess is game of the brain which teaches players to balance their emotions and also to make informed decisions. The calculative nature of its moves improve learners’ mathematical skills.
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
-
National3 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
-
Special reports4 years agoTinashe Mugabe’s DNA show’s popularity soars, causes discomfort for some