Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has been appointed patron of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation juniors, a development expected to boost the growth of chess in the country and expand opportunities for talented young players nationwide.
The announcement comes as four girls from Sengwa Primary School in Gokwe, Midlands Province, leave for South Africa today to represent Zimbabwe at the African Schools Chess Championship, scheduled for July 6-11 in Stellenbosch.
The continental tournament, which brings together young players from more than 30 African countries, marks a significant milestone for the pupils, whose journey reflects how talent, determination and timely support can open international doors for children from vulnerable communities.
Winners at the tournament will progress to world-level competitions, offering valuable international exposure for emerging talent.
The team secured its place at the championship with support from the First Lady and other well-wishers, whose interventions have continued to widen access to competitive chess for young learners.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation president Todd Mapingire said Dr Mnangagwa’s appointment reflects her sustained commitment to empowering children through education and sport while ensuring that talent is not constrained by background or circumstance.
“We approached the First Lady and requested that she becomes patron of our chess programme for children from vulnerable communities. We are grateful that she accepted this role.
“Her appointment as patron of these young chess players reflects her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children, particularly girls.”
Mapingire added: “Through the work she has been doing to empower and uplift vulnerable children, she has demonstrated a genuine passion for creating opportunities for them to realise their full potential.”
Mapingire said the young players have now gained the confidence to compete at higher levels and aspire to international success.
He said the long-standing imbalance in participation, where boys traditionally dominated the sport, is now a thing of the past.
“Most tournaments were dominated by boys, but we made a request that girls should also be supported so they are included,” he said.
Mapingire added that growing support is reshaping perceptions within families and communities, encouraging more girls to take up the sport.
“When a child from Gokwe can travel to represent the country, it motivates others. Even the girls had doubts at first, but now they are gaining confidence,” he said.
Mapingire said participation is expected to grow further at school, district and provincial levels as confidence builds among young female players.
He said the federation has pledged to ensure Zimbabwean girls become more visible on the continental stage.
“We promised the First Lady that we will show other nations that a girl can do it. It starts in Zimbabwe and spreads to others. We are leading the way,” he said.
He said the federation is also promoting chess as a tool for developing critical thinking, discipline and confidence among young people.
The African Schools Chess Championship serves as a structured pathway from school-level competitions to national and international tournaments.
For the girls, the tournament is more than just a competition; it represents hope, opportunity and the fulfilment of dreams that once seemed out of reach.
Speaking ahead of their departure today, Grade Seven pupil Makanaka Chirefu said chess had transformed her life by improving her problem-solving skills and helping her improve in mathematics.
“I am overjoyed. Chess has helped me improve my mathematics because it has strengthened my problem-solving skills. I started playing in 2024 and have travelled to Kwekwe, Gweru and Zvishavane, and now I am going to South Africa.
“I feel both excited and nervous at the same time. I never imagined that I would play chess or even have the opportunity to fly in an aeroplane. When I come back, I want to teach other children,” she said.
Another Grade Seven pupil, Rebecca Siposo, said travelling to South Africa was a dream come true, adding that it would also be her first experience at an airport.
“I am happy that we were selected to fly. This is my first time at an airport. I used to see other children leaving and returning with medals, and I told myself that I should also give it a try.”
Grade Five learner Dorcas Gwariro thanked the First Lady for helping make the trip possible, saying the opportunity had shown that girls were equally capable of excelling.
“We would like to thank our Amai, the First Lady, for making it possible for us to reach this point. She often says there is nothing that boys can do that girls cannot do, and she has shown us that this is true,” she said.
Her teammate, Vimbai Bhamu, simply expressed her excitement.
“I am very happy to have reached this stage,” she said.
A teacher travelling with the team, Mrs Colleta Bamu, expressed confidence that the girls would perform well in South Africa
“Chess is usually perceived as challenging because it requires children to think critically. There are still relatively few girls playing the game, but more children are beginning to understand and appreciate it.
“Chess also helps learners improve academically. Our girls are performing well, even against boys. Our First Lady has greatly boosted our confidence.”
School head Dera Simon thanked the First Lady for supporting learners from a remote rural community.
“We would like to sincerely thank
our patron, the First Lady, for assisting us here in rural Gokwe to compete in chess at the international level.
“We have been greatly uplifted as a school, and the entire community is celebrating this achievement,” he said.
The girls’ participation in the continental tournament reflects growing efforts to promote inclusivity in sport while creating opportunities for children from vulnerable and disadvantaged communities to compete on the international stage.
Over the years, the First Lady has championed programmes aimed at empowering girls and vulnerable children through education, sport and skills development, ensuring that talent is identified and nurtured regardless of background.
Her interventions have enabled children from vulnerable communities to access opportunities that would otherwise have remained beyond their reach.
In 2024, children from the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi travelled to Russia for the BRICS Plus International Sports, Arts and Culture Festival, where they won the football title while gaining invaluable international exposure.
Her appointment as patron of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation juniors is expected to strengthen initiatives to identify and develop young chess talent while inspiring more girls across the country to take up the sport and compete at continental and global levels.
