adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO-based chess clubs will launch their motherbody, Bulawayo Chess Association, on December 23 during their annual get together at Royal Gardens.The clubs, which include Bulawayo Chess Club, National University and Science Technology, Zimbabwe Power Company, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe School of Mines and Bulawayo Polytechnic, have been operating without a governing body.
Thabang Moyo of Bulawayo Chess Club was elected chairman, being deputised by Gibson Manhuru of Bulawayo Polytechnic.
Prince Msasa is the executive chairman while Brighton Duburu is secretary general.
Russell Dzute is the director of public relations while Moses Mutipforo is director of finance. Committee members include Knowledge Ndlovu, Dalithemba Ndlovu and Hope Ndlovu.
The committee was elected in August. In an interview yesterday, Mutipforo said clubs resolved to form the Bulawayo Chess Association which they hope will help steer the sport to greater heights.
“The establishment of the motherbody will not only go a long way in improving the sport in the city but it will bring the players together as well,” he said.
Mutipforo said the association would have to source for sponsorship for next season’s tournaments and league which is on the cards.
“We don’t have any sponsors yet, we are still working on getting sponsorship for our association for us to have a smooth chess season next year,” he said.
He said they had great turnouts during the tournaments averaging at 100 plus in a tournament.
“In terms of turnouts it was great, the quality of play was more aggressive and now our challenge is to attract more women players,” he said.
Mutipforo said that before the launch there would be a mini tournament involving players from various clubs in the city. He said the attendance fee at the awards ceremony was pegged at $5 and that the best player for 2013 for both males and females at each club, the most disciplined team, best scholar and best veteran, would be rewarded.
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