Young chess ace leaves for World School Chess Championships

Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter

YOUNG chess sensation, Babongile Chelsea Mushonga has left the country for Greece where she is set to participate in the 2023 International Chess Federation (FIDE) World School Chess Championships.

The 10-year-old Coghlan Primary School pupil left yesterday for the prestigious championship that is taking place in Rhodes, in the Southeast European nation from April 13 to 23.

In February, Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) named the young ace as one of the players that will represent the country in the high-status competition.

The letter from ZCF secretary general Todd Mapingire stated that the opportunity to participate at the championship will be a big boost for the youngster’s career.

“It’s an opportunity for Babongile Mushonga to shine on the world stage. Please assist her to reach and compete at this crucial competition,” read part of the letter.

The Schools Chess Championship is the biggest world chess competition for school going children and Mushonga, who started playing chess at the age of six is the leading Under-12 girls’ player in the country.

Her participation confirmation comes after managing to raise the US$5 000 that was standing between her and fulfilling her dreams which came about after a positive response to an appeal of a helping hand.

The amount was meant to cover accommodation, food and other travel related costs. She will also travel with her mother, Sukoluhle Ndlovu since she is a minor.

Mushonga’s first chess competition was in 2018 when she was in Early Childhood Development (ECD) B at Coghlan Primary School where she competed at the Bulawayo Polytechnic and won a bronze medal and a certificate.

Her second tournament was at Founders High School the following year where she scooped another bronze.

Last year, the youngster joined Victoria Falls-based Ally Chess Academy and she has been participating in major tournaments. She played at National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and won a gold medal. She is a four-time gold medallist in the girls Under-12 category. — @brandon_malvin