Tertiary champion: Mutare Poly’s Kukudzarema crowned Chess Champion in Botswana
Mutare Polytechnic’s Shepherd Kukudzarema
By Pierre Makusha
MUTARE — A polytechnic student has checkmated the old order.
Mutare Polytechnic’s Shepherd Kukudzarema clinched individual gold in men’s chess at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association, (CUCSA) Games in Gaborone, Botswana, as Zimbabwe’s team also secured the overall men’s title.
The 22nd edition of the CUCSA Games was hosted by the University of Botswana in Gaborone. The Games ran from 28 June to 5 July and featured various sporting disciplines ranging from indoor games and ball games to track and field events.
The Diesel Plant Fitting first year student’s Southern African triumph caps a breakthrough season that began with gold at the Technical Education Sports Arts and Recreation Games (TESAR)in Bulawayo in April, continued with a starring role at the Zimbabwe Tertiary Sports (ZiTS) Games in Harare in May, and culminated on the regional stage.
In what makes the achievement even more groundbreaking, TESAR was the first tournament Kukudzarema had ever participated in. He taught himself and trained at home before stepping onto the national and regional stages.
For Mutare Poly, the win is historic. The institution became the first polytechnic to win men’s chess gold at ZiTS earlier this year — breaking years of dominance by universities and teachers’ colleges.
“The support from Mutare Polytechnic meant a lot to me. Knowing that the principal, the sports director, coach, and the entire institution believed in me gave me extra motivation to perform well,” Kukudzarema said.
“This victory is not just mine, it belongs to the whole Mutare Polytechnic family.”
Chess coach Mandla Ndaba said the result was no fluke.
“After years of dominance by universities and teacher’s colleges, a polytechnic has broken the jinx and won gold in chess. This is not a one-off. The talent pool has widened,” Ndaba said.
“With sustained investment across disciplines and students committing time outside class, we have built a structure that delivers.”
Kukudzarema said each tournament sharpened him.
“After TESAR, I realized I was playing good and strong chess but I continued to improve my consistency. Before ZiTS, I worked harder on my openings and tactics. By the time CUCSA came, I was mentally stronger and more confident,” he said.
The competition In Gaborone was fierce.
“Every game was important because the level of competition was very high. When I realized I had secured enough points to win the gold medal, it was an unforgettable moment. All the hard work and sacrifices had finally paid off,” he said.
The 21-year-old is already eyeing bigger stages.
“My goal is to keep improving and compete at even higher levels. I want to represent Mutare Polytechnic and Zimbabwe in bigger international competitions and continue raising the country’s flag,” Kukudzarema said.
“I also hope our success inspires more students to take up chess.”
He dedicated the achievement to his parents.
“I would like to thank my parents for their endless love and support. Their belief in me has been my greatest motivation.”
CUCSA brings together tertiary institutions from across Southern Africa. Zimbabwe topped the men’s chess standings overall. Mutare Poly will now look to build on the momentum ahead of next year’s games.
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