WATCH: Chess player scores distinctions at A-level

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

FOR 19-year-old Donald Mbondo life is all about chess and academics.

A school of thought alleges that the last generation or two grew up playing video games and watching movies instead of playing board games or reading books. As a consequence many young people today lack the patience, reading skills, and concentration skills of older generations all of which are needed for good chess and good grades. That is not the case with Mbondo.

The national Under-20 chess champion scored 15 points in last year’s A-level examinations. The ex-Mpopoma High School pupil was studying Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, a subject combination popularly referred to as MPC. But how did the teenager manage to juggle between school and his favourite sport?

“It’s not difficult as many may assume. It’s all about hard work and determination. I had sleepless nights working to perfect both. I think the secret to it all is giving both the same work ethic. For me, it just flowed. I don’t spend too much time on the other. When it’s time for chess I give my all to that, when I am doing my schoolwork l focus on school,” said Mbondo.

Chess doesn’t provide enjoyment or recreation like how the other sports like cricket or football do and some people tend to shun the game. Mbondo says he fell in love with chess through the influence of a friend back in 2018 and has never looked back.

“A friend of mine introduced me to chess back in 2018. I was looking for a sport that is clean and less physical because I’m not much of a physical person myself so chess became a considerable option. I have enjoyed playing the game from that time and the dream is to become an internationally acclaimed player,” said Mbondo.

Mbondo took part in the World Under-20 Championships in Mexico last year. He won five and lost five of the games he played. He was chosen to represent Zimbabwe after coming first in the Nash 2023 tournament held at Cheziya High School. Mbondo wants to be a mechanical engineer.

“The plan now is to pursue tertiary education with the dream of one day becoming a mechanical engineer and an international chess champion at the same time. It would be great to get a scholarship and probably study at top institutions outside the country,” said Mbondo.-@innocentskizoe