Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
AS Zimbabwe turned 43 years yesterday, Bulawayo Chess players converged at Drill Hall Police Station to celebrate the country’s freedom from British rule through the Royal game.
Annually, the Bulawayo Chess Association (BCA) holds the Independence Open Chess Tournament to mark Zimbabwe’s independence. The Bulawayo Chess community came out in their numbers to participate in the event.
The tournament fielded the Open section for the seniors and the Development section for the juniors.
Speaking at the tournament, the juniors (U-14 and below) Coach Ayanda Gumede said Bulawayo’s Chess community always celebrates differently in order to further the development of the sport code.
“We celebrate this day differently, many are at White City Stadium. But I’m here because l have passion for Chess which is a growing game. So for us as the coaches we have to help in the development of the game by continuing to be part of this tournament annually. The turn out has always been great, chess is a peaceful game.” Said Gumede.
The juniors played un- timed chess (without clocks) compared to the Seniors at the Open Section. Simo’sihle Ndlovu, the arbiter for the development section said the young players are yet to grasp the use of clocks.
“As arbiters we keep the time for the players because the young ones, most of them are not yet familiar with timed Chess.” Said Ndlovu.
Standardised chess time is 40 moves in 2hours and chess clocks are set at the beginning of a game, and count down from an agreed time. Only one clock runs at a time, and players pauses their time/start their opponents time by pressing a button after each move they make. Often clocks feature a small flag on the face that falls when the player’s time is up.
The BCA currently has no sponsor.
A six year old Deuel Mutamiri said, “Iam excited to be here playing chess and I’m here to excel.”
His father Overs Mutamiri is optimistic that the young Chess sensation will fly the country’s flag high.
I am amazed by the way his talent has developed, as a parent l make sure l contribute towards his talent. He believes in himself and I see chess taking my boy across boarders, mark my words one day we will see him playing in the United kingdom (UK). I am dreaming big, l already see the future.” Said Mutamiri.
He further added that in as much that Independence Day is the celebration of the country’s freedom from Colonial chains, the day also symbolizes that one should unleash their dreams and talents.
“To me independence means the liberation of the country, liberation of one’s dream and talent to be unleashed. This country we can say was unleashed from a leash, one must lean to unleash their talents.” He added.
Overs Mutamiri also indicated that the Royal game spearheads positive impact on social development and encouraged parents not to let children hang around at home and be idle. Instead they should be taken to chess.
Seventeen year old Knowledge Samboko who was partaking for the first time in an Open tournament said he celebrates the country’s birthday through sport.
“Today is Independence and ‘m here celebrating the freedom we have been given and for us to be playing chess and having various opportunities through this sport is thanks to freedom we gained as Zimbabwe. This is a chance for us to appreciate our freedom through sport and as you can see the tournament is held at a government institution. Its all part of acknowledging where Independence has taken us.” He said.
Is the Kings game a men’s sport?
When it comes to the game of wooden pieces on a chequered board, intellectualism plays a vital role. This has led statisticians to say that chess is male dominated. Ironically, the sport does not require physical prowess.
Charlene Mguni who is the NUST Ladies Chess team captain bemoaned lack of confidence amongst female chess players siting, confidence is what is needed by females to make it in this sport.
Females may be lagging behind due to the fact, women do not take chess as competitively as males do to raise their standards. Parents also should take part in encouraging their daughters to take up chess. Chess is a mind game and females should excel equally as men.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Open section
- Blessing Moyo
- Tapiwa Jele
- Tarcicio Chidembe
Females
- Nomalungelo Mathe
- Tessa Ziome
- Samukeliso Dube
U-14
- Izile Ndebele
- Harold Sibanda
- Nkosithabile Moyo
U-10
- Delloitte Dembetembe
- Nkosenhle Ncube
- Shayne Makurane