Online Reporter
Barnabas Masimba
NORTON – Thirty-eight chess players from Harare, Norton, Kadoma and Chitungwiza took part in the Zossima Talent Identification and Member Recruitment Tournament held on 5 September 2026 at God First Academy.
The event followed training sessions and tournaments held in Gwanda, Masvingo and Bulawayo, which attracted both teachers and learners.
Players from the provinces are expected to participate as Zossima steps up its search for more talent ahead of the African Chess Championships, which will be held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 6 to 14 December 2026.
Organised by Zossima Knowledge Management Consultancy through its chess academy programme, the tournament had two key objectives: identifying talent and recruiting players into Zossima’s structured development pathway ahead of the continental championships.
Girls were among the highlights of the tournament, competing strongly against boys in mixed fields.
Chimboza Tawananyasha claimed the Under-12 gold medal outright, while Ihude Chantel, Bvute Kundiso, Gwanzura Alisha and Zirima Abigail also impressed.
Other young talents earmarked for further development include Ethan Mberi, Omnijok Ihude and Anomhlengi Masimba.
The tournament also piloted Zossima’s Move-by-Move Scoring and Ranking System, which assesses the quality of players’ decisions rather than simply focusing on results.
The system has been used by Zossima since 2008 and was incorporated into the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Zimfit Learner Profiling Programme in 2023.
Zossima Chief Coordinator Merekizadeck Masimba said the talent identification series would continue until 22 November.
“We are building a grassroots pathway: Talent Identification, Assessment, Training, Competition and International Preparation. Zimbabwe’s next champions can come from anywhere if identified early and supported,” he said.
The event was supported by God First Academy and Arise Africa Missionaries, with Pastor Patson Mukucha pledging continued backing for chess development in communities.
MEDAL WINNERS IN NORTON
Under-18
Gold: Prosper Matyire, winner unchallenged
Under-16
Gold: Maboyi Nenyasha, 4 points
Silver: Brian Gerald, 4 points
Under-12
Gold: Chimboza Tawananyasha, 4.5 points
Silver: Ethan Mberi, 3.5 points
Bronze: Mukono Atida
Under-8
Gold: Atipaishe Masimba, 2.5 points
Silver: Mungadza Bethan, 1.5 points
Bronze: Hukuimwe Kayden, 0.5 points
