Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE intellectual game of chess will finally have an active league in Manicaland, rolling into life next Saturday, starting with clubs mainly based in Mutare, under the banner – Manicaland Chess League (MCL).
Lannisters Chess Academy, Acid Knights Chess Club, MSU Chess Club, Mutare Polytechnic Chess Club, and ZRP Chess Club make up the list of teams that have already registered with the league.
Given the hype surrounding the birth of this new league, some clubs, such as Acid Knights Chess Club, hosted a tournament in preparation for the Manicaland Chess League.
Farai Mapondo, the Acid Knights Chess Club leader, said: “We are happy that the tournament went on very well, as Munashe Nyamaropa became our gold medallist, while Tawanda Makoni and Axel Sowa were tied for the silver medal. I landed the bronze medal, while Chido Qouchiwa was fourth placed. Eriah Gwaya came out fifth. We are anxiously looking forward to the start of the League matches.”
The architect of the Manicaland Chess League, Vincent Manengamambo, said: “My initiative to launch the Manicaland Chess League is exciting news for chess enthusiasts in Zimbabwe. Given my experience in
opening the Midlands Chess League, which is currently underway in Gweru, Midlands Province, I have a solid foundation to build upon. The results for this league can be accessed on Chess Results online servers.”
Manengamambo said there are numerous benefits associated with the creation of this new league.
“There are several potential benefits and considerations for this new venture. The benefits of the Manicaland Chess League include promoting chess development. The league can help promote chess in Manicaland, encouraging young players to develop their skills and compete at a higher level. Community engagement is another benefit – the league can foster community engagement, bringing people together through a shared interest in chess. There is also talent identification at stake. The league can serve as a platform for identifying talented young players who may go on to represent Zimbabwe in international chess competitions,” he said.
However, there is some groundwork to be done for the league to realise its full potential.
“One of the major aims is to secure sponsorships. To grow the league, we will consider reaching out to local businesses, organisations, or individuals who might be interested in sponsoring the event,” he said, outlining several potential sponsorship opportunities.
“Title sponsorship is also at stake. A title sponsor could have their brand name associated with the league, providing prominent branding and exposure. Prize sponsorship is another form of sponsorship at stake. Sponsors could offer prizes for tournament winners or participants, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement. We also have product or service integration, whereby sponsors could provide products or services that enhance the league’s operations or participant experience,” he said.
