Gokwe team in Italy for World Youth Chess Championships
Sydney Mubaiwa
MIDLANDS BUREAU
GOKWE– The four-member Cheziya High School chess team landed in Rome, Italy on Monday to compete in the World Youth Chess Championships.
The team is made up of Ishmael Henry Kaitano, Gamuchirai Gogoma, Ezywell Mutema and their coach Blessing Jemani.
Ezywell will play in the Under 14 category while Gamuchirai will be playing in the Under 18 girls’ category with Henry playing in the Under 18 boys’ category.
Jemani confirmed the development to The Mirror. The tournament runs from November 12-25, 2023.
She said it was an honour to compete in Italy after missing out on the August 2023 World Schools Team Chess Championships in Kazakhstan owing to logistical problems.
The team had the honour of meeting Italian Ambassador Umberto Malnati at the Italian Embassy before their departure.
“We are happy with the opportunity and confident we will bring the trophy home. This is the biggest tournament at the youth level and we are looking forward to creating a positive impression in sports in the country. This is a great opportunity and we promise to do our best,” he said.
Cheziya High School was crowned champions of the 2023 Crystal Candy National Schools Chess League Finals in the secondary boys’ category, and the best-placed school in the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) national individual scholars’ championships.
