Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE is putting the final touches to preparations for the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC), which will be held across at least three venues in Harare from 6 to 14 December.
The prestigious event — one of the continent’s largest youth chess tournaments — returns to Zimbabwe for the second time, following the successful 2017 edition.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) president Todd Mapingire said the country is ready to host another world-class tournament, with at least 2 000 delegates, including players, officials, and administrators, expected to converge in the capital.
“We are honoured and proud to have been entrusted with hosting the 2025 African Youth Chess Championship and believe this is a major milestone for Zimbabwean chess. It is also an indication of the growing confidence in the ZCF’s organisational capacity and in Zimbabwe as a safe and credible host nation,” said Mapingire.
He added that between 25 and 35 African countries have confirmed participation, with Zimbabwe fielding a large contingent.
“We could go beyond 2,000 participants. It is a privilege for Zimbabwe to be hosting this event, which also serves as a qualifier for the World Cup. This shows the confidence our counterparts have in the country’s resources and human capital. We have demonstrated across the continent that we can host tournaments of this magnitude and showcase Zimbabwe as a safe destination for tourism and sport. More importantly, the winners of this tournament gain automatic entry to the Chess World Cup next year,” Mapingire said.
Adding to the excitement, the African Chess Confederation Conference will run alongside the AYCC from 11 to 13 December, bringing together presidents of chess federations from across the continent.
“It’s going to be a major event, and we’re working closely with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), the Ministry of Sport, and our sponsors. All hands are on deck for this tournament, and we hope to put Zimbabwe in the spotlight across Africa and beyond. We are ready to deliver a world-class event and inspire the next generation of chess talent,” Mapingire said.Confirmed participants
Zambia, Libya, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, Algeria, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, and Namibia.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu