Minerva Risk Advisors and ZCF join forces for fift...

Minerva Risk Advisors and ZCF join forces for fifth consecutive Zimbabwe Open Chess Tournament

11'' Wooden Chess Board Storage for Chess Pawns Indoor and Outdoor Board Game - Picture 1 of 7

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has proudly announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Minerva Risk Advisors, solidifying a five-year commitment to the nation's premier chess event. Branded as the Minerva Zimbabwe Open, the highly anticipated tournament is set to captivate chess enthusiasts from August 20 to 24, 2025, with the main competitions hosted at the iconic Joina City in Harare.

This enduring collaboration stands as a testament to Minerva's unwavering dedication to cultivating strategic thinking and nurturing talent within Zimbabwe's vibrant sporting landscape. Over the past four editions, Minerva's steadfast support has been instrumental in elevating the profile of chess in the country, providing an invaluable platform for both local and international players to showcase their skills and refine their game.

Agab Dozva, Public Relations and Communications Director for the ZCF, expressed profound gratitude for Minerva's continued investment. "We are grateful for Minerva's unwavering support and commitment to Zimbabwean chess," Dozva remarked. "Their sponsorship has significantly contributed to the growth and development of our sport, and we eagerly anticipate another successful tournament."

The 2025 Minerva Zimbabwe Open promises to be an exhilarating spectacle, drawing top players from across Zimbabwe and the wider Sub-Saharan region. While the Open and Ladies competitions will once again be staged on the 16th floor of Joina City, a significant new development sees an Under-14 section being introduced and hosted at the Dominican Convent school in Harare, aimed at nurturing young talent from the grassroots. The tournament will adhere to a rigorous 9-round Swiss format, ensuring intense and highly competitive play for all participants.

The tournament's international appeal continues to grow, evidenced by the impressive turnout in 2023, which saw 26 foreign players hailing from Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, and even Italy. Despite this influx of international talent, the Minerva Zimbabwe Open has consistently proven to be a challenging conquest for foreign players. Zambian International Master Gilian Bwalya remains the sole international player to have claimed the championship in its recent history, triumphing in 2022. The 2025 edition is expected to witness Bwalya and other formidable players, including Zambians FM Mwale Joseph, Kaoma Micheal, Daka Justin, and Motswana IM Oathoste Providence, vying to conquer the challenging Zimbabwean chess terrain.

A unique aspect of the Minerva Open is the absence of a repeat winner in the Open Section since Minerva's sponsorship commenced, highlighting the tournament's highly competitive nature and the impressive depth of talent within Zimbabwean chess. However, Women's Candidate Master (WCM) Kudzanayi Charinda has defied this trend in the Ladies section, securing victories in both 2021 and 2022, showcasing her consistent dominance.

Bruce Kadzviti, ZCF Secretary and Tournament Director, confirmed that preparations for the event are well underway. "We are working diligently to ensure that the 5th edition of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open lives up to its billing as the biggest event in the country," Kadzviti stated. "Preparations are already underway to create an event that will be memorable for all stakeholders by matching international standards expected of all tournaments of this nature."

Kadzviti further acknowledged the invaluable support from Minerva and New World Properties, who also contribute to the event. "As the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, we treasure all the support that we keep getting from Minerva and New World Properties. This support has carried us through to this 5th edition in an environment that is difficult for many other sports. We are indeed very grateful for this continued support."

Defending champions FM Roy Mwadzura (Open section) and WCM Refiloe Mudodo (Ladies section), who triumphed in the 2024 edition, are set to face stiff competition as they endeavor to retain their coveted titles, promising another thrilling instalment of the Minerva Zimbabwe Open.