ALL is now in place for the staging of the 2025 edition of the Crystal Candy National Chess Tournament finals which are scheduled to take place at Errymaple Group of Schools in Zvishavane next week.
The annual school’s chess event is pencilled for May 16-19.
Over 1 000 young male and female chess players from the best schools across provinces will battle it out for the top honours.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) president Todd Mapingire is looking forward to a thrilling tournament.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to unleash the talent of these gifted young chess grand masters from across the nation,” he said.
Mapingire emphasised that the tournament is a vibrant celebration of intellect, a testament to the relentless, burning desire for excellence.
“Whispers among chess enthusiasts reveal a truth: this isn’t just a tournament; it’s a supernova of strategy, a launchpad propelling young minds to legendary status.
“Imagine over 1 000 brilliant youths drawn from every corner of Zimbabwe converging in a battle of wits,” he said.
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“Picture this, Mpopoma High, a beacon of hope, and Mbeure Primary School, a hidden gem unearthed from the rural heart of Manicaland, locking horns with powerhouse institutions like Gwehava Primary, rising from the depths of Gokwe, and Dominican Convent, the reigning champions of 2024.
“Each team is a coiled spring, a vessel of strategic genius, ready to unleash their power. This is more than a competition; it’s a crucible of skill, a FIDE-rated Swiss System showdown where legends will be forged.”
Added Mapingire: “The winning team won’t just claim prizes and Crystal Candy’s sweet bounty; they’ll become a beacon, a flame leaping onto the global stage.
“Imagine their names, etched forever in the annals of chess history, not just as players, but as symbols of our nation’s brilliance.
“With every move, they’ll raise our flag high, glorifying Zimbabwe on the international stage, just as Crystal Candy tournaments have done before.”
Last year, a record total of 125 primary and secondary schools took part in the event, with 37 of them making it to the grand finale, which was held at Northlea High School in Bulawayo.
Gwehava Primary School, from Gokwe South, emerged champions along with Dominican Convent High School.
