Thokozile Mbedzi, Sports Reporter
MPOPOMA High School continues to be an example of how sport and academics can blend well to churn out talent that shines on the world stage.
The latest offering from the school is Knowledge Samboko, a chess genius, who at Form 5 has dominated local chess circles. Samboko is preparing to take part in the Africa Junior Championships in the city of Nouakchott in Mauritania from 4 to 12 December. Although he is excited about his international debut, Samboko would need to raise at least US$2 000 for his journey to Mauritania.
“I am ready for the tournament but I need money for air fares and other incidentals,” he said.
Samboko’s journey in chess started when he was a Grade 6 pupil at Ross Camp Primary School where he qualified for provincial competitions and made the best of them. He came out tops and from there, he never stopped playing. Gold medals flooded his cabinet at secondary school level when he enrolled at St Columba’s.
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 lockdowns halted his move as he didn’t make it for a tournament in Uganda.
With chess competitions having returned in 2022, Samboko’s sharp mind was to be tested on the chess board. Again, he proved his mantle and he was good. At Mpopoma High school, Samboko won every competition. He was the best at district, provincial, and national school competitions.
For now, he does not have a club but sometimes he plays at weekend tournaments at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust). At these meetings, the young lad also had some triumphs. He won prizes. He said he gives himself much time to practice and research to advance his skills.
“I owe it to all my coaches down the years when I started at chess. Soon I will be going to participate at the Africa Junior Championships in Morocco. This is all from the hard work and dedication I have put in as an individual and from the training I got from team mates and networks from other competitions I have taken part in,” said Samboko.
Mpopoma High School headmaster Christopher Dube said they were proud as a school to have a pupil with a sharp mind at chess.
“We are very happy if our students are excelling like this. We have others in the same sport who went to other countries like Mexico, Egypt and many more. Above all the achievements, I wish them to carry on the legacy of discipline which is the key to what ever they do in life,” said Dube.
He said they were calling out to well wishers to come in support and aid Samboko’s journey to discover his destiny as a chess player.
“As a school, we have tried our level best and we now appeal for assistance to well-wishers to come on board. It is good to produce best students at our school we wish him all the best,” said Mr Dube.
Samboko’s triumph at chess has left his mother, Tsungai Munyunzu with awe. Munyunzu said she was happy but would like to appeal for assistance for his son to fulfil his dream.
“I am happy as a parent. My son has been winning since his primary school days up to now.
What pains me is that we now have to source funds so that he goes to carry the Mpopoma High school and the national flag high,” said Manyunzu.