Sport Reporter
Zimbabwe was declared the winner of the first-ever Online Continental Chess Championships for Prisoners, with its male and female teams securing category victories on Tuesday.
The landmark achievement underscores the country’s pioneering role in using chess as a tool for rehabilitation and social reintegration within correctional facilities.
The tournament saw Zimbabwe’s incarcerated players dominate the competition, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s penal reform efforts.
The male team finished undefeated, securing six wins and one draw, amassing 13 match points and 24.5 board points, while the female team mirrored this success, claiming the top spot in their category.
The victory held profound personal significance for long-serving inmates Leo Matibe and Nicholas Damota.
Both had represented Zimbabwe at the 2021 Intercontinental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners, where the team narrowly lost to Mongolia.
Reflecting on Tuesday’s win, Matibe said it is a step in the right direction.
“Chess is no longer just a game for us, it’s a path to healing, focus, and dignity,” Matibe said.
“This victory proves that even behind bars, we can achieve greatness.”
Commissioner Christmas Tarwira, overseeing rehabilitation for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), delivered an inspiring address on behalf of Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu.
He highlighted chess’s role in fostering discipline and strategic thinking among inmates.
“Chess teaches patience, foresight, and accountability, essential skills for reintegration,” Tarwira stated.
ZPCS’ is committed to expand its chess initiatives, including the upcoming Commissioner General Behind the Wall Chess Tournament (June 2025) and the Intercontinental Online Chess Championships for Prisoners in October 2025.
