Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe junior chess delegation is now in Italy ahead of the World Youth Chess Championship set to begin this Monday in Montesilvano, Italy.
Hailing from rural Gokwe, the trio of Ishmael Kaitano, Ezywell Mutema and Gamuchirai Gogoma are bullish as they look forward to participating at the global chess tournament and put Zimbabwe on the map.
The Zimbabweans have been preparing under pressure at a time they were also writing their school examinations.
With the focus now on the tournament slated for the 12th to the 25th of this month the Zimbabwe junior chess team is set to leave no stone unturned despite facing stiffer opponents across the world.
Blessing Jemai said, “There are tougher opponents like Turkey, China, Russia, and India. They are well versed in the sport but when we go out, its always a learning experience and we are indeed ready for it.
“I believe the tournament in Italy is going to be tough but I’m going to do all my best to finish on a better position and improve my rankings to top ten,’ said Zimbabwe junior chess player, Ishmael Kaitano.
Zimbabwe will participate under the watchful eye of Blessing Jemani in the under 14, 16 and 18 categories.
Zimbabwe is among 110 nations that will battle to top the medals table, while India, Canada, Mongolia and Kazakhstan are hoping to scoop medals as they did in previous tournaments.
