Five players from the AvoPeach School of Chess participated in the chess competition that was held in Gaborone in Botswana at the Learning Center School over the weekend and scooped four gold medals.
The four contestants who came with medals are Nilan Nathan Mukwekwe 8, Talent Tariro Nota 7, Tadanaishe Billy Safari 8 and Tafadzwa Hannah Chitondo.
During the Botswana International Youths and Cadets Chess Championship, Mukwekwe in the first round played against Motlotlegi and won before accounting for Makhurane Shayne Tsireletso, Kaboyaone Vanya Kael, Mokefane Morena, Mallavaram Abinav Reddy, Moses Aone and Senwelo Thategot to win gold.
Nota played against Muzira Thandeka, Porogo Neelo, Perumalsamy Dhaanya, Rajendrakumar, Matenge Zuri Marang, Mwesiga Ebenezer and Baddam Manvika Reddy on her way to victory.
Mokalake Rabina, Kaboyaone Amour Karl, Manyaapole Arefa, Botlhole Bokao Sephane, Seakgosing Kgatontle, Pelontle Bayani Paul and Arul Murugan Yugan threw different challenges to Safari but he prevailed.
10-year-old Tafadzwa Hannah Chitondo faced Motlhale Khumo, Paul Arylin, Chimwe Kaylor Makatendeka, Kanjoma Kayla Ropafadzo, Pitso Rethabile, Moabi Thobo and Lekoape Anaya; and won the age group.
In an interview with this publication, Coach Cephas Mukondo said they had prepared well for the games.
“We had prepared for the game very well but did not expect the sterling performances. The kids stood their ground and played extremely well and they deserved to bring the gold medals back home which was the best experience ever. We will keep fighting fans pushing for the best and make sure we create a household name for ourselves," he said.
- Zim headed for a political dead heat in 2023
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
- Tendo Electronics eyes Africa after TelOne deal
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
Keep Reading
"This is pure talent and considering their ages they are doing extremely well, we are nurturing the best of the best. We have participated in many of the tournaments we could afford and we have won a lot of medals along the way.
"We once participated in the Crystal Candy First Edition National championship that was held at Conilious Good hope and came out second placed. We had three ECD students in our team
The following year during the second edition of the Crystal Candy team tournament that was held in Bulawayo our team came fourth in the Nationals. We also took part at the Haig Park Chess Tournament and came second to Runyararo who came out first but we collected six medals,” Mukondo added.
Mukondo stated that all he wanted was to fight and end drug abuse.
“I would be happy if the pandemic of drug abuse is ended through sports and in this case through chess. Keeping the kids off the streets and drugs and creating a positive mindset is the goal. I also want to create smiling faces in our community and the aim is to be part of the National team and help raise our National Flag. At AvoPeach we move as a team,” he said.
The School of Chess is also grooming their players for international competition.
When they participated in the Chivhu Cadets they went with three students, namely Jemaima Masarira who came back with gold, while Nilan Mukwekwe got silver and Professor Taapesa got bronze and booked themselves places in the national team.
Musarira went to South Africa with the national team, Nilan and Professor failed to travel due to financial constraints and the former is also going to Italy.
AvoPeach is a community club that trains kids from the age of four.
Currently the club has 33 kids and they are not charged any training fee.
The club started in 2013 and has groomed the best chess players.
It is located in Budiriro 2.
