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From Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Hwange
PLANS are underway to set up chess structures in every district in Matabeleland North province to promote the sport in the province, an official has said. Head in charge of the sport in the province Tirison Cheteni, who heads Pashu High School in Binga, said chess was a mind game that promoted and provoked thinking among the players hence it would help schools in province achieve better academic results.

“There seems to be a negative attitude towards the game of chess, a mindset which I’m committed to change. By setting up structures across the province, more and more players will join and naturally the game will be popular. We want to have the same structures like we have for other disciplines like athletics,” said Cheteni.

He said the province had a huge potential of becoming a chess powerhouse in the country and even beyond the country’s borders.

“There is no reason why schools shouldn’t be having chess, it’s not an expensive game.

“We need to have the game even at primary school level because it takes about four years to produce a complete and competitive chess player,” he said.

Cheteni said they will have their inter-district competitions at David Livingstone High School from March 18-21 where a provincial team will be selected to represent Matabeleland North at the national competition set for Mutare Teachers’ College at the end of the month.