Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DEFENDING women’s champion, Christine Makwena is excited about the return of the CBZ National Chess championship after the principal sponsors committed for another year.
The CBZ National Chess championship is the pinnacle of all tournaments in the country where all the top players will showcase their craft and it is also a selection platform for the national team.
It is set for Harare from April 7 to 12.
“I am excited that everything is confirmed and we also have big companies coming on board to support our sport, I want to defend my title I have been preparing well and I hope I will be on top of my game,” Makwena said.
She had a stellar 2024 season winning both the national and the Easter Open titles.
Meanwhile, the sponsors are delighted to be helping athletes achieve their dreams.
“We are happy to be doing our part as a corporate, Chess is a sport of the mind and we want healthy minds in the country and we also want to help these players to achieve their dreams,” CBZ Group Marketing Officer, Matilda Nyathi said.
The Zimbabwe Chess Federation says all is in order for the nationals.
“We are thrilled to have CBZ Bank on board, and we look forward to working together to promote the development of chess in our country. Their support will enable us to provide a world-class experience for our players, coaches, and officials, and we are excited to see the impact it will have on our sport,” President of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation, Todd Mapingire said.
This is the third consecutive year CBZ has sponsored the National Chess championship.
