The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe chess team bagged two gold medals at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges, which ended in Malawi on Monday.
Team Zimbabwe won gold medals in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The men’s team was comprised of International Chess Federation (FIDE) Master Farai Hamandishe from Bindura University of Science Education, Prince Rapoza from the University of Zimbabwe, Bright Moyo from Great Zimbabwe University and Simbarashe Chikoya from the University of Zimbabwe.
The women’s team was led by Women FIDE Master (WFM)-elect Linda Dalitso Shaba from Harare Polytechnic, who was one of Zimbabwe’s top performers at the World Chess Olympiad that was held in Chennai, India, recently.
Also making the list was Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Paidaishe Zengeni from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Zimbabwe quartet of Ropafadzo Dube, Tatenda Ndou, Mashea Dzimba and Ruwadzano Whande.
The men’s team won four games and drew one, whilst the women’s team won all their five games.
Buoyed by the team’s performance, Zimbabwe coach Buxton Temba believes the country has what it takes to challenge for honours at international tournaments.
“Zimbabwe has what it takes to win such titles even across the continent,” said Temba.
“We are grateful to the Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Sports Union (ZTISU) leadership for their sterling efforts to send teams to this competition.
“We played our hearts out and deserved to win,” he said.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) acting president Mucha Mkanganwi was satisfied with the teams’ performances.
“The team has set a high standard for generations to come, and we will expect nothing less than gold in future competitions.
“I am certain that with close partnerships between ZCF and ZTISU, chess at tertiary institutions can continue to grow.
“As a result, Zimbabwe will continue to excel at regional and international competitions,” said Mkanganwi.
