Zimbabwe’s teenage chess stars are set for the biggest challenge of their careers after being included in the national teams heading to the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
The senior men’s and women’s teams left Harare on Saturday for Samarkand, where they will compete from September 16 to 27 against some of the world’s strongest chess-playing nations.
While medals will be the immediate target, Zimbabwe’s participation is also highlighting the country’s growing investment in young talent.
Fourteen-year-old Bulawayo player Tehillah Makwiranzou is the youngest member of the women’s team, while Victoria Falls-based Carol Ndlovu, 17, is another rising star set to gain valuable international experience.
Woman Candidate Master Kudzanayi Charinda believes giving young players exposure to major competitions is crucial for the future of Zimbabwean chess.
“Chess, you have to start at the grassroots,” Charinda said.
“We are actually moving to schools, encouraging people more into chess. So, we are starting at the grassroots.”
Charinda said the long-term goal was to develop players capable of competing for international titles at a much younger age.
“So that by the time our players are 12, 13 or 14, they are playing for something, for titles,” she said.
Makwiranzou is determined to prove that her age will not hold her back when she faces more experienced opponents in Samarkand.
“At first, I thought since I was young, I was going to be the weakest link in the team,” she said.
“I am now confident that despite my age, I am going to give my all and surprise older, experienced players.”
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Ndlovu is equally confident ahead of her international assignment.
“I might be young but, as they say, age is nothing but just a number,” she said.
“The times are changing. We now have grandmasters who are as young as 12.”
The young players will have experienced campaigners around them, including Charinda, Christine Makwena, Nomalungelo Mathe and team captain Tafadzwa Shanya Mullio.
Zimbabwe’s Open team will also rely on a combination of experience and emerging talent.
National champion FIDE Master Roy Mwadzura will be making his third Olympiad appearance and believes his international experience can help strengthen the team.
“This is my third Olympiad. I’ve played countless international tournaments, so confidence won’t be much of an issue on my side,” Mwadzura said.
“I also hope to share that confidence with the rest of the team.”
Candidate Master Kudakwashe Sibanda, the men’s team captain, believes Zimbabwe has assembled a side capable of producing surprises.
“We have experienced players who have been at the Olympiad before,” Sibanda said.
“Part of the team has young and very hungry players who are seeking to cause upsets.”
“With this kind of team, we are sure we can win medals.”
The Chess Olympiad will be played over 11 rounds using the Swiss system, with Zimbabwe hoping its blend of youthful confidence and experienced leadership can deliver a memorable campaign in Uzbekistan.
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