Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
THREE learners, Carol Ndlovu, Jordan Gweshe and Tinotenda Gadza, are representing Zimbabwe in the ongoing Fide Online Youth Cadets Chess World Cup.
The tournament started on August 1 and will run until August 31 on Zoom and Tornelo platforms with strict supervision by the arbiters. The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) is taking care of all expenses of the trio the international event.
Ndlovu, a Grade 7 girl at St Josephine Bakhita Primary School in Victoria Falls, is competing in the Under-14 girls event that starts tomorrow up to Sunday at a Victoria Falls hotel.
Gweshe is a Grade 4 pupil at Twin Rivers Primary and is competing in the Under-10 Open, while Gadza is competing in the Under-18 Open and is a learner from Zengeza 1 High School in Harare.
There were no qualifiers for the tournament and the trio qualified on the basis of their past performances in the ZCF. Gweshe played his games last week, while Tinotenda will start on Monday next week. Ndlovu’s coach, Kripo Chivhenge, who is also ZCF Matabeleland North chairman and national executive member, said the young girl has been a champion in most online tournaments in the primary schools’ section hence her selection to represent the country.
“The federation requested for the best player in Project Chess Zimbabwe initiative we are doing in Victoria Falls and Carol was the perfect choice. She is in the Under-14 age group and will be starting her games on Wednesday to 15 August at Cresta Hotel, Victoria Falls,” said Chivhenge.
He said Ndlovu is geared up for the games and will be contesting against 150 contests from around the world.
“She’s ready and we have been having sessions daily in preparation for the games. I’m very happy that she’s competing at the highest level of play where all the world’s best Under-14 girls will be fielded. It’s a very tough field, but I can confirm we have been working tirelessly on our sessions and she’s ready for the competition. All we can do now is wish her well,” said Chivhenge.
Clickson Ndlovu, Carol’s father, is delighted for his daughter. — @ncubeleon
Online Reporter