Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’s 20-member youth chess team left for Kampala, Uganda, yesterday confident of returning with medals from the regional championships running until May 24.
The team, comprising 13 girls and seven boys, was seen off at Robert Mugabe International Airport by Zimbabwe Chess Federation president Todd Mapingire.
Uganda is hosting this year’s event, after Zimbabwe staged last year’s tournament at Dominican Convent School in Harare. Mapingire said the squad included players who performed strongly at the December championships in Harare and had since shown improved form.
“We are excited that we have managed to deploy a team that’s going to Uganda to represent the country,” he said.
“We have a number of players that are now outstanding in terms of chess. “We are hopeful that this time around, you can produce more medals than before,” Mapingire said.
He also thanked the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Sports and Recreation Commission, and sponsors including WestProp and Minerva for supporting the team’s travel.
Schools, NASH and NAPH representative Tongesai Menyere also backed the delegation. Menyere said organisers expected a competitive tournament.
