THE 2026 Zimbabwe Cadets and Youth Chess Championships, ZCYCC crowned a new generation of champions at the Dominican Convent on Sunday, as 230 young players battled for national glory in one of the country’s most competitive junior tournaments to date.
The championship, organised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, ZCF, drew participants from diverse institutions including NAF, NASH, ATS and the homeschooling community.
ZCF Secretary and Executive Director Tapiwa Gora described the event as a “unifying championship” that brought together players from all walks of life to compete at an elite level.
Despite last-minute registration challenges, with entries tripling on the day of the event, the federation successfully managed the surge to deliver what Gora called a prestigious and well-coordinated tournament.
“It was difficult, but we managed to work around all the obstacles that were thrown at us to host this championship successfully,” said Gora.
The youngest divisions exhibited remarkable composure and tactical awareness.
In the Under 8 Girls category Princess Chitevere claimed gold, ahead of silver medalist Shalom Goodness Austin and bronze winner Awakhiwe Ntini. In the Under 8 Open section, Tommy Zhao secured first place, followed by Michael Chikovere who took silver and Stanford Brandon who earned bronze.
Ropafadzo Manyoni emerged champion in the Under 10 Girls division, finishing ahead of Talent Tariro Nota and Aanvi Kapoor. The Under 10 Open crown went to Tinayeishe Nhamburo, who outplayed Blessing Tafadzwa Gwati and Tadaishe Safari to take gold.
In the Under 12 Girls section, Natalie Ndoro took top honours, with Nyasha Nechitima earning silver and Mbanje Mya bronze. Anotida Mukono won the Under 12 Open title, finishing ahead of Seth Mashabatu and Sky Makuvachuma.
Competition intensified in the older categories, often regarded as a pathway to the national team.
Shantel Ihude dominated the Under 14 Girls division, claiming gold ahead of Patience Magorosi and Pauline Takavarida. In the Under 14 Open category, Anesu Tizore secured first place, followed by Jordan Gweshe and Omunojok Ihude.
Kelly Mbondo captured the Under 16 Girls title, finishing above Grace Zvarebwa and Rhema Magomo, while Jayden Chihungwa triumphed in the Under 16 Open section, with Ngonidzashe Mandangu Jnr and Achieve Severe completing the podium.
The premier Under 18 Girls title went to Mellisa Kambezo, who was crowned national champion ahead of Nokutenda Madzikwa who took silver and Ropafadzo Gwatidzo who claimed bronze. In the Under 18 Open division, Amith Boddapati clinched gold, beating Isiah Lynnwoodweg and Allen Tungamirai.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the ZCF introduced cash prizes for the top three finishers in each section.
“This competition also marks the first time that ZCF included cash prizes to the top three of each section,” Gora explained.
In addition to glass shields, certificates and chess boards, champions walked away with US$50 each, while first and second runners up received US$30 and US$20 respectively.
The winners from the Under 8 to Under 18 categories, both Open and Girls, have earned the right to represent Zimbabwe at the upcoming Africa Youth Chess Championships in Kampala. They will also have an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup in Batumi, Georgia.
