Game-On Reporter
Fresh from a dominant performance at the Crystal Candy National Chess Championships, Budiriro 4 Primary School has turned its attention to preparations for the Africa Schools Chess Championship set for Cape Town, South Africa, next month.
The Harare school secured the right to represent Zimbabwe after clinching both the boys’ and girls’ Under-14 national titles in a tournament that attracted more than 80 teams and over 800 players from the country’s 10 provinces.
The African Schools Chess Championship will be held from July 6 to 11, 2026, with winners earning qualification for the World Schools Chess Championship.
Coach Edmore Matimba said the focus had now shifted to ensuring the teams are fully prepared for the continental challenge.
“We are going to work on the weaknesses that were exposed during the national championships. We don’t have much time, so we have to address them quickly,” said Matimba.
The coach acknowledged that the national triumph was a significant achievement, particularly given the limited preparation time available to the teams.
“I am so excited. I was expecting to win, but considering the number of schools that participated, it was a tough tournament.
“We were given short notice after playing in the provincial championships last week and only had about three weekdays to prepare for this tournament. It was a big challenge, and I’m delighted that we managed to win,” he said.
The double victory has reinforced Budiriro 4 Primary School’s growing reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s leading centres for youth chess development.
With less than a month before departure, the school is expected to intensify training as it seeks to compete against the continent’s best young players.
“The big one is now in South Africa. We are going to face the rest of the continent. It’s going to be tough, but I am very excited,” said Matimba.
The school’s achievement has also drawn praise from Government officials.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, described the accomplishment as evidence of the country’s growing talent base and the value of grassroots sports development.
“This double victory by Budiriro 4 Primary School is a momentous achievement that showcases the incredible depth of talent developing within our school systems.
“As they prepare to raise the Zimbabwean flagFresh from a dominant performance at the Crystal Candy National Chess Championships, Budiriro 4 Primary School has turned its attention to preparations for the Africa Schools Chess Championship set for Cape Town, South Africa, next month.
The Harare school secured the right to represent Zimbabwe after clinching both the boys’ and girls’ Under-14 national titles in a tournament that attracted more than 80 teams and over 800 players from the country’s 10 provinces.
The African Schools Chess Championship will be held from July 6 to 11, 2026, with winners earning qualification for the World Schools Chess Championship.
Coach Edmore Matimba said the focus had now shifted to ensuring the teams are fully prepared for the continental challenge.
“We are going to work on the weaknesses that were exposed during the national championships. We don’t have much time, so we have to address them quickly,” said Matimba.
The coach acknowledged that the national triumph was a significant achievement, particularly given the limited preparation time available to the teams.
“I am so excited. I was expecting to win, but considering the number of schools that participated, it was a tough tournament.
“We were given short notice after playing in the provincial championships last week and only had about three weekdays to prepare for this tournament. It was a big challenge, and I’m delighted that we managed to win,” he said.
The double victory has reinforced Budiriro 4 Primary School’s growing reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s leading centres for youth chess development.
With less than a month before departure, the school is expected to intensify training as it seeks to compete against the continent’s best young players.
“The big one is now in South Africa. We are going to face the rest of the continent. It’s going to be tough, but I am very excited,” said Matimba.
The school’s achievement has also drawn praise from Government officials.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, described the accomplishment as evidence of the country’s growing talent base and the value of grassroots sports development.
“This double victory by Budiriro 4 Primary School is a momentous achievement that showcases the incredible depth of talent developing within our school systems.
- “As they prepare to raise the Zimbabwean flag high in Cape Town, they carry the pride of the entire nation.
