THE corporate sector is being challenged to take its place on the chessboard as the Minerva Zim Open Chess Tournament enters a new chapter with the introduction of a dedicated corporate section.
The 2026 edition will feature a Corporate Section designed to give Zimbabwean companies an opportunity to field their employees in rapid chess while supporting the growth and development of the sport.
The initiative comes as the Minerva Zim Open moves to a new home at Heritage Village in Harare, marking the first time since its inception that the tournament will be staged away from its traditional venue at Joina City.
The sixth edition will run from August 19 to 23, with organisers hoping the new venue and expanded programme will attract an even wider following.
The Corporate Section is open to Zimbabwean employees, with participants required to provide proof of employment.
Organisers believe the competition can strengthen the relationship between chess and the corporate world, particularly given the game’s emphasis on strategy, planning, concentration and decision-making.
The tournament will feature Open A, Open B and Ladies sections, alongside development competitions for boys and girls in the Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 age groups.
The Open and Ladies sections will run from August 19 to 23, the Development section from August 21 to 23, while the Corporate Section will take place on August 22 and 23.
The Open field will feature leading Zimbabwean players including Spencer Masango, Shepherd Kukudzarema, Emarald Mushore, Vitalis Mapuranga, Terrence Mureya, Bright Moyo and Tanaka Katsande, ensuring a strong local challenge in the sixth edition.
The Ladies section will feature Linda Dalitso Shaba, Zambia’s Woman FIDE Master Constance Mbatha, Refiloe Mudodo and Nomalungelo Mathe.
The main tournament will be played over nine rounds under the Swiss system, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from the first move.
Elisha Thabo is the tournament director, with International Arbiter Victor Chimbamu serving as chief arbiter. He will be assisted by deputy chief arbiter Blessing Jemani, while Benson Magomo and Lewis Kahoba are also part of the officiating team.
The introduction of the Corporate Section is expected to give companies more than an opportunity to compete for honours.
It will provide employees from different organisations with an opportunity to interact, build networks and experience a sport that mirrors many of the strategic demands of the corporate environment.
For the organisers, the broader objective is to encourage more companies to move beyond being spectators and sponsors and become active participants in Zimbabwean chess.
The corporate competition will also run alongside a strong developmental programme, allowing the tournament to cater for players across different levels and age groups.
The move to Heritage Village, coupled with the expansion of the corporate component, marks an important milestone in the evolution of the Minerva Zim Open as organisers seek to take chess beyond its traditional community and into the workplace.
