Zimpapers Logo

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
KUDAKWASHE Sibanda of Nust Chess Club confirmed his status as one of the “sharks” of Bulawayo chess when he won the Heroes’ Open tournament held at the Bulawayo Polytechnic.

Sibanda dominated a field of 89 by scoring a remarkable score of seven from seven matches.

He beat national champion Dion James Moyo in the penultimate round, relegating him to third with six wins out of seven games.

Farai Janyure of Plumtree finished second, while Bulawayo Chess Association (BCA) top seed Sifiso Ncube ended seventh.

Moses Mutipforo, BCA director of information, hailed the tournament as a success and said they were now preparing for next month’s competition at Founders High School.

“The tournament was made possible by generous contributions from Dr Siza Masuku and Dr Ricky Malaba, and as BCA we are grateful for their support. The next tournament will be on September 23 at Founders High School. This will feature high schools in a team tournament and an open section for adults,” said Mutipforo.

Meanwhile, Elvis Shora of ZRP Bulawayo has been appointed BCA chairman.

Shora took over from Thabang Moyo and said his executive would strive to promote chess among women as well as juniors.

“There is need to have more women playing chess and we have to find ways of including them in BCA structures. Efforts will be channelled towards gender equality in the uplifting of the girl child. Another area of concern is the junior section and we will be bringing Naph into the BCA structures so that we effectively work on taking the game to primary schools,” said Shora.

Other members of the BCA executive are secretary-general Admire Moyo, finance director Mbongeni Ndlovu, Bright Masanzu (director development), training director Melzedeck Masimba, Eshaward Mudumo (director adult chess) as well as co-directors ratings Jefferson Metha and Tonny Siyanyezu.
BCA has also reserved committee members’ seats for Naph, Nash, ZUSA and Zitcosa.

Heroes Day Top 10 results

1. Kudakwashe Sibanda (Nust, 7.0), 2. Farai Janyure (Plumtree, 6.0), 3. Dion James Moyo (Bulawayo, 6.0), 4. Nigel Mabiza (Nust, 6.0), 5. Valentine Nkoma (Nkulumane, 6.0), 6. Tony Siyanyezu (Bulawayo Poly, 5.5), 7. Sifiso Ncube (ZRP Bulawayo, 5.0), 8. Bruce Mhondiwa (BCC, 5.0), 9. Elvis Shora (ZRP Bulawayo, 5.0), 10. Moses Mhondiwa (Titans, 5.0).

@ZililoR