Cheziya High School of Gokwe emerged as the overall winners of the 2026 Crystal Candy National Schools Team Chess Championship after a thrilling competition that concluded on Sunday at Marymount Teachers College in Mutare.
The championship attracted nearly 800 young players from 150 schools across Zimbabwe's 10 provinces, making it the biggest schools chess tournament in the country’s history.
Budiriro 4 Primary School were crowned champions in the Under-14 category and earned the honour of representing Zimbabwe at the African Schools Chess Championships scheduled for Cape Town, South Africa, from July 6 to 11.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, commended Crystal Candy for supporting youth development through chess.
"To the sponsors and your team, you did more than sponsor a tournament. You played your part in the intellectual development of the children. In a world that is full of noise, you chose depth and strategy. We are deeply thankful," he said.
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Addressing the young players, Mugadza encouraged both winners and those who fell short of the top honours to remain focused on their growth.
"To those who are crowned winners, cherish this moment. You have earned it through discipline and determination. Wear your medals with pride but carry them with humility," he said.
"To those who not hear their names called, it is not the end of your journey. The measure of a player is not how many times they fall but how many times they rise. Study your games and come back stronger."
The minister also confirmed that Zimbabwe's national champions would travel to South Africa on a fully sponsored trip.
"Our national champions will represent Zimbabwe at the African Schools Chess Championship in Cape Town from the 6th to the 11th of July with all expenses catered for, from flights to accommodation. They will carry our flag and compete among Africa's finest young minds," he said.
The tournament began on Saturday following remarks by Zimbabwe Chess Federation president Todd Mapingire, who hailed the growth of the competition and the continued partnership with Crystal Candy.
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