Online Reporter
Shepherd Chimururi
Youth Interactive Correspondent
The much-anticipated Dzidzo Inhaka Schools Computer Science E-sports 3rd Term Mega Finals brought together bright young minds from across the country in a thrilling celebration of digital learning.
Held at Theatre in the Park, the event featured top three players from both Junior and Infant levels, who had triumphed in the South West, North East and Premier League regional finals.
Competitions included computer-based activities such as drawing, typing, painting, PowerPoint presentations and coding — showcasing how gamified learning is transforming education through e-sports.
In the Junior Category, Shining Smiles Ziko Branch, coached by Annah Guze, emerged overall champions, scooping 4 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze medals.
Kim Kids Junior School followed closely in second place with 4 gold and 2 silver medals, while Tiny Tots claimed third with 3 golds.
Other notable competitors included Shining Smiles Hatfield, Kent Primary, Arise and Shine, Dawn Academy, Open Minds Academy, Firm Foundation (Karoi) and Adonai Private School (Wedza), all of whom displayed impressive teamwork and creativity.
At the Infant Level, Kim Kids Junior School, under coach Fidelis Mukundwi, continued their dominance, clinching first place with 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals.
Shining Smiles (Ziko) came second with 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze, while Arise and Shine and New Horizon shared third place, each earning 2 golds. Other medallists included Blessed Little Angels, Firm Foundation, Tsala Learning Centre, Kwality ECD and Adonai Private.
The day’s most emotional highlight came when Chiedza Mashonganyika, a disabled learner from Shining Smiles, rolled onto the stage in her wheelchair to compete in the Science labelling competition. Though she finished fourth, the auditorium erupted in applause as she was honoured with the Most Outstanding Junior Player Award for her courage and determination.
Miracle Nyama from Generation Stars received the same honour in the Infant category.
Reflecting on her journey, Chiedza said, “As a player living with a disability, competing in E-sports has been both challenging and rewarding. At first, I was nervous, but with the support of my coach, Ma’am Guze, and my parents, I learnt to focus on my strengths.
“I’m proud to show that ability is not defined by physical limits.”
Her inspiring story reminded all that Computer Science E-sports promotes inclusion, resilience and opportunity for every learner.
Several young champions shared their joy and ambitions. Merlin Burutsa (Grade 3, Kim Kids Junior), who won gold in paint the colour wheel, said, “I feel motivated by CoScie E-sports. Let’s not stop — forward ever, backward never!”
Nyasha Chimunhu (Grade 6, Open Minds Academy), who won bronze in PowerPoint Presentation, said, “It wasn’t easy, but I gave it my all. I hope to become a professional programmer.”
Takudzwa Mangava (Grade 2, Tsala Learning Centre), who won gold in 1+2 Rain Math Game, admitted, “I didn’t expect to win — even my parents were shocked!”
Tawananyasha Sibanda (Grade 4, Tiny Tots), gold medallist in Word Typing, said, “I’m overexcited! E-sports helps me learn different subjects at once. I want to be a computer technician.”
From Arise and Shine, Grade 6 teammates Renee Chidawanyika and Joseph Machote earned silver in Basketball Subtraction. “It was a great learning experience,” said Renee. Joseph added, “E-sports teaches practical skills like Scratch coding where we make our own games.”
Praise Mapfundematsva (Grade 5, Rose of Sharon Junior), who won gold for Drawing the Zimbabwe Flag, said, “The competition was tough, but I gave it my best. I want to create educational apps for students.”
The event was graced by World Vision International Buhera based representatives, Onwell Tavanhira, Nyasha Mukwekwe and Blessing Mukandakanda, who where on a familiarisation tour as their organisation enters into tripartite partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Dzidzo Inhaka in implementing the Chirozva Education Project in Buhera, which seeks to introduce Computer Science E-sports to rural schools — ensuring every learner, regardless of background, has a chance to shine in the digital age.
