Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE chess fraternity is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Princess Ncube, a Stage 5 student from Mother Touch Group of Schools (MTGS) Victoria Falls left Harare on Wednesday to represent the nation at the prestigious FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Princess is not only carrying the hopes of her school but also the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s burgeoning chess community.
She is set to compete against the world’s best young minds in the Under-10 Girls category at the Baluan Sholaq Arena, with the tournament running from September 18 to October 1, 2025.
Princess Ncube has rapidly established herself as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising chess talents. In the lead-up to her departure, Princess underwent intensive training at the MTGS Harare Centre, where she was mentored by experienced coaches and supported by her fellow chess mates from the Junior School Harare.
The school community gathered to bid her farewell at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, stressing the sense of pride and unity her journey has inspired.
Mother Touch Group of Schools, renowned for its holistic and Christian-based educational philosophy, has long championed the integration of chess into its curriculum. The school’s approach emphasizes not only academic achievement but also the development of critical thinking, discipline, and resilience—qualities that chess is uniquely positioned to foster .
Speaking on Princess’s achievement, MTGS CEO and founder Mrs. Salome Mutsinze said:
“At Mother Touch Group of Schools, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our commitment is to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with critical thinking and life skills. Chess, as part of our curriculum, exemplifies our philosophy—empowering students to think strategically, act with integrity, and embrace challenges with confidence.”
Princess’s participation in Kazakhstan is the latest chapter in Zimbabwe’s rich chess history. The nation has produced internationally recognised players such as International Master Robert Gwaze, who famously scored a perfect 9/9 at the 2002 Chess Olympiad. Zimbabwean teams have consistently competed at the Chess Olympiad and other global events, with recent years seeing a surge in youth participation and institutional support.
Chess is increasingly recognised in Zimbabwean schools for its educational benefits, including enhanced memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills, as well as fostering sportsmanship and resilience among students.
