Young master who plays with his toes

Tendai Chara

Zimpapers Sports Hub

PARTICIPANTS at the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Ustana, Kazakhstan, became attentive when Zimbabwean captain Blessing Jemani began talking about a quiet Form Two boy from Danhiko Secondary School in Msasa.

In the room, remarkable stories had been narrated, but Jemani’s tale about 14-year-old Tinashe Mvududu, a child born without arms yet he plays chess, left everyone spellbound.

He plays the game using his feet.

His story is not wrapped in sentiment. It is a plain, striking account of a young athlete who refuses to be defined by what he lacks.

While others talk about obstacles, he is busy beating able-bodied opponents with a poise that turns heads long before anyone notices he is moving pieces with his toes.

A year into the sport, Mvududu has already earned recognition far beyond his school.

His journey has made him a symbol of self-belief for players who meet him at tournaments and for those who hear his name from afar.

Jemani shares the boy’s story wherever he goes because he knows what it does to listeners.

“The young man teaches and reminds us that disability is not inability. He is an inspiration to the chess community,” said Jemani.

At Danhiko, the coaches who work with Mvududu exhibit the same admiration when they speak about him.

Munyaradzi Arigundia has seen many youngsters come through the school, but few have the drive like that of Mvududu.

“He is sharp, talented and self-motivated. He is very fast in his calculations and can easily grasp new things.

“He is capable of becoming a big name both in local and international chess,” Arigundia said.

Chess co-ordinator Rudo Madzamba sees the same spark and believes the right support could turn promise into something special.

“If Tapiwa gets what is required, he will certainly make it to the top. He needs exposure, equipment and qualified coaches for him to take his game to a higher level,” Madzamba said.

Mvududu first learnt about chess in 2024. He was a Form One learner then, watching others play, unsure whether the game was for him.

Curiosity got the better of him, and in a year, he grew into one of Zimbabwe’s most intriguing young prospects.

Today, he trains with able-bodied players, matches them move for move, and sometimes outthinks them completely.

“Lacking arms does not mean that my brain does not function like that of any other normal person. I train with able-bodied players and I often beat them,” he said.

He proved it at a national schools’ competition, finishing seventh against a field dominated by able-bodied opponents.

Confidence is not a problem for him.

“When I enrolled at this school in 2024, I used to watch others play the sport. One day, I decided to have a go at it and, as they say, the rest is history,” he said.

Some of his schoolmates were not convinced at first. They were not sure how to play against someone who moved pieces with his feet. He did not bother entertaining their doubts.

“From day one, I never doubted my capabilities. I was born without arms, so these legs are just as good as anybody’s arms,” said Mvududu.

He is not talented in chess only.

He is also a decorated swimmer, having won medals at the 2025 Danhiko Paralympic Games. But the chessboard is where his dreams sit.

He wants to play internationally and knows the road demands long hours and patience.

“In chess, one needs to train for long hours. I am still relatively new to the sport but I am working towards becoming a top player,” he said.

The challenges he faces include lack of regular competition and better equipment.

“We only train for the annual paralympic games and in between, there is nothing to train for. We also lack basic training equipment,” he said.

Still, he keeps pushing and encouraging others living with disabilities to do the same.

“I urge people living with disabilities to make use of their sporting talents. As I always say, disability does not mean inability,” said Mvududu.