INSPIRED by the grassroots success of Zimbabwe Cricket, the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) has announced the ambitious rollout of its "Chess Kumusha/Ekhaya" programme for 2026.
This initiative marks a strategic shift toward the rural heartlands, aiming to transform chess from a niche urban pastime into a truly national movement.
The move to emulate the "Cricket Kumusha" model comes as ZCF recognises a massive reservoir of untapped potential in remote areas.
Schools such as Gwehava Primary and Cheziya High School in Gokwe have already shattered the glass ceiling, proving that rural students can compete and win at the highest national levels.
For the ZCF, the success of these institutions is a clear indicator that the next generation of Grandmasters may well be found in the country’s most distant districts, provided they are given the platform to excel.
"We are learning from institutions like Zimbabwe Cricket," said ZCF president Todd Mapingire.
"By rolling out our own version of Chess Kumusha in 2026, we are taking the game to the people.
“We want to ensure that a child in a rural village has the same opportunity to master the board as a student in Harare.
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“Our goal is to transform chess into a mainstream national movement that focuses on digital integration, grassroots accessibility, and corporate partnerships."
To support this massive expansion, the ZCF is undergoing a landmark administrative transformation.
Following a resolution to fully implement the 2024 ZCF constitution, which was adopted by affiliates on November 2, 2024, and reaffirmed in late 2025, the federation is moving toward a leaner, more accountable governance model.
The previous, cumbersome system consisting of over 35 members is being replaced by a streamlined 12-member national executive.
This shift is designed to accelerate decision-making speed and professionalise the sport’s administration.
Crucially, the ZCF is dismantling the old "ticketing system," where provincial leaders were appointed by the national office—a practice that saw some chairpersons holding office for up to 20 years without facing an election.
Under the new framework, all 10 provinces will elect their own leadership, fostering local accountability and transparency while decentralizing authority to the grassroots level.
The restructuring is built on the principle of provincial empowerment.
Under national body supervision, provinces will now manage their own districts, associations, and clubs. This decentralization is expected to increase transparency, encourage local engagement, and fuel healthy interprovincial rivalry through talent discovery.
These provincial bodies will report directly to the national executive, creating a clear chain of command inspired by the international structure used by Fide.
Parallel to the "Chess Kumusha" physical rollout, ZCF is embracing a digital transformation.
Through the ZCF Chess App and virtual coaching, the federation aims to provide high-level training to schools that lack physical clubs.
Working alongside the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, ZCF will identify schools in every province to serve as pilot projects for this national expansion, ensuring the "Chess in Every School" initiative remains inclusive.
The vision for 2026 is bolstered by a record-breaking 2025 season. Zimbabwe recently cemented its status as a regional chess hub by hosting the 16th African Youth Chess Championship, which saw an unprecedented 1,000 participants.
Other major milestones included the CABS Candidates in Bulawayo, the Crystal Candy Schools Nationals in Zvishavane, and the Minerva Zim Open, which saw participation numbers triple.
With continued support from corporate partners like CBZ, CABS, and Minerva Risk Advisors, the ZCF is now inviting further sponsorship to meet the rising demand for equipment.
As chess requires only a board and a sharp mind, the federation is confident that 2026 will be the year the sport truly belongs to every Zimbabwean.
