By Evans Dakwa
Matebeleland South budding chess players are converged at St Mary’s High School in Beitbridge for a three day provincial chase tournament to select the creme de la creme of chess players to represent the province at national level.
Competition at the chess tournament is intense, with thrilling match ups igniting excitement among players all in camaraderie manner as the eight districts of the province battle it out for supremacy to be among the best junior teams in the country.
Provincial Head in Charge (HIC) of Chess, Mr Charles Bhebhe, spoke to Ziyah News Network expressing his happiness at not only the level of competition but the increasing number pupils participating at this year’s tournament a precursor to better performance for the province.
“We have 8 districts that are here to fill in the available 28 slots to represent the province at the nationals, so far the tournament has been exciting and going on smoothly. The competitors are quite competitive, we have very good players that I am sure will win at the upcoming nationals. ” said Mr Bhebhe.
“Development of chess in our province is going on very well because I noted that we have more participants that have joined the chess playing fraternity.”
HIC Bhebhe reckons chess is mentally stimulating game, one that students must be encouraged to play as it helps them flex their thinking and problem solving abilities.
“Chess is a very good game because it trains your mind to think and you can play the game even when you are relaxed, it trains learners to solve problems and it is a game for those that are sharp minded. Even though its a minority sport in our country but internationally it is well recognised,” he added.
In sports, there are winners and losers but what is evident at St Mary’s High School is that all participants have come prepared to compete and are delighted to be given a chance to have a shot at representing Matebeleland South province at the national schools chess competition. The tournament is coming hard on the heels of Beitbridge having hosted a successful Provincial Athletics competition earlier this month.
