Zimbabwe
-
Robert Gwaze resurfaces, wins Namibia Open
IM Robert Gwaze is always in conversations about Africa’s brightest moments in history. Since his 2002 gold medal at the Bled Olympiad, he has written his memoirs, Life and Games of Robert Gwaze. There had always been the thought that Gwaze was poised to earn his Grandmaster title. However, his…
Read More » -
13th All-African Games (Accra, Ghana)
The recently concluded All-African Games were held in Ghana’s capital, Accra, and chess was one of the events. The last event was held in 2019 in Rabat, Morocco. The Chess Drum has covered previous editions of the All-African Games, and this event attracted 18 countries. Top African players, including Grandmasters…
Read More » -
IM norm for Zimbabwe’s Zhemba Jemusse!
Zhemba Jemusse, an untitled player, was competing in his first Olympiad in Chennai, India and was excited to experience the world’s biggest stage. Team Zimbabwe was looking smart in their suits and matching accessories with “Zimbabwe Chess” proudly displayed. ZIMBABWE Left to Right: IM Rodwell Makoto, Tapiwa Gora (ZCF Technical…
Read More » -
African nations at Chennai Olympiad!
African nations traveling to the 2022 Chess Olympiad have traditionally been up to the mark in colorful outfits. This Olympiad will feature a “best dressed” contest. It’s a very interesting, but perhaps tricky idea to compare cultural expressions, but one thing for sure is that African nations will be a…
Read More » -
Black History Month 2022-Day 9: Robert Gwaze’s Gold!
At this year’s 2022 Chess Olympiad in Moscow, Russia, we will commemorate the 20th year of Zimbabwean IM Robert Gwaze winning the gold medal for his 9/9 performance. This feat took place in the fall of 2002 in Bled, Slovenia, and sent triumphant tremors throughout the continent and the African…
Read More » -
12th All-Africa Games: Mixed Rapid-Day 2
Despite upsets, Egypt take gold! Zimbabweans Rodwell Makoto and Emarald Mushone chat before their first round game against Eritrea. They would win their games, but the were more proud of the wins they got in round six. Photo by Mohamed Bounaji/FIDE What a finish in the first chess event ending…
Read More » -
Zim’s Masango wins Zambian Open with 8/8!
It is rare that one gets a perfect score in a chess tournament. The most famous example is Bobby Fischer’s 11/11 at the 1963-64 U.S. Championship in New York City. As a result, he got an interview on the cover of Life magazine. Spencer Masango of Zimbabwe will have to…
Read More » -
Zimbabwe’s Mandizha gets 2nd GM norm!
Farai Mandizha (Zimbabwe)Photo by David Llada Over the years, IM Farai Mandizha has made strides since coming from Zimbabwe nearly a decade ago. Initially, he developed a reputation for his blitz skills, but as he developed a plan for earning his titles, he focused more on incremental improvements. In this…
Read More » -
Zimbabwe chess takes hit after Kuwaza’s death
Charles Kuwaza On April 18th, Charles Tawonerera Kuwaza fell to his death from the 9th-story of the Club Chambers building on the corner of 3rd Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue. The question of Kuwaza’s tragic death has been whether it was a suicide (as initially reported) or whether he was…
Read More » -
Beauty of Africa through a Chess Lens
There are many ways to describe the African continent. Some know it as the “Cradle of Civilization” and by others as the “Dark Continent.” Rest assured, this massive landmass has a complicated history, but its complexity may be softened by the sheer diversity and beauty. Each time I travel to…
Read More »
