JAYSON KARAN
Bulawayo – A young Chessboard genius from Coghlan Primary School has been born.
Ten year old Babongile Chelsea Mushonga has been making waves on the board game, shocking many with a streak of wins.
Mushonga has been participating in some of the local Chess Tournaments since 2018 when she was in Early Childhood Development (ECD) at Coghlan Primary School. She began her winning streak when she competed at the Bulawayo Polytechnic and won a bronze medal and a certificate.
Her other competitions took place at Founders High School a year after her first and like the previous year, Mushonga managed to scoop another bronze.
Mushonga was to scoop four gold medals after she joined joined Victoria Falls-based Ally Chess Academy and she has been participating in major tournaments sharpening her skills in this high mental game.
The young Chessboard genius’ mind did not go unnoticed as she has been recognised by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) and named the young ace as one of the players to represent the country in a high-status competition.
She was chosen to participate in the 2023 International Chess Federation (FIDE) World School Championships in Greece.
She left the country on Tuesday for tournament in the European country.
Mushonga who is set to battle for gold with other chess geniuses at Rhodes, in the Southeast European nation from April 13 to 23.
“This opportunity for the young lady to participate in this upcoming tournament is one way to boost her career and experience in the sport,” stated the letter from ZCF secretary general Todd Mapingire.
“It’s an opportunity for Babongile Mushonga to shine on the world stage. Please assist her to reach and compete at this crucial competition,” continued the letter in part.
The tournament that will enable the young Mushonga, who began playing Chess at a tender age of 6, to rub shoulders with the best international chess players from Schools around the world.
This is dream come true for the youngster as her talent will be noticed not only in Zimbabwe but by other countries that will be partaking at the tournament in Greece.
Babongile Mushonga will be also traveling with her mother to Greece so that she will not feel “lonely”.