Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFRICA’S next generation of chess talent settled into the halls of Dominican Convent this week as Zimbabwe took charge of the 16th Africa Youth Championships.
The atmosphere felt alive from the first move and the scale of it all drew warm applause from Africa Chess Confederation president Tsephiso Lopang, who said the country had delivered a tournament worthy of the continent’s brightest young players. Seventeen nations sent teams and more than five hundred boys and girls, from the under eight category up to under eighteen, took their places across the boards. The tournament runs until December 14.
Lopang said the federation’s work had set the right tone for a championship of this size.
“We are happy to be the host nation for the 16th edition of the Africa Youth Championships.
“The tournament has seen 17 countries taking part and we are grateful that the Zimbabwe Chess Federation has successfully organised such a big tournament.
“We have more than 500 athletes taking part in the annual tournament. The kids from under eight to the under 18 are taking part. The representation by both boys and girls are awesome and we are happy that ZCF has managed to put in a great tournament.
“I am happy with the level of competitiveness we are witnessing here and hopefully we will have some future grandmasters from the kids we are seeing here. There is a lot of competition in all the age groups and I believe the best players win,” said Lopang.
Her endorsement echoed the mood on the floor where young players traded ideas and instincts, and where Zimbabwe’s organisers showed they could handle an event of continental weight.
