Title Race Gets Even Tighter on Day 3 of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026
The battle for the championship became even more intense on Day 3 of the African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026 in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Rounds 5 and 6 were played at the Coetzenburg Center. With just two rounds remaining, every match became crucial. The top teams fought to protect their lead, while the chasing teams looked for a chance to move into the qualification spots for the Grand Final.
The event is supported by Freedom Holding Corp., the main sponsor of the African Continental Stage and General Partner of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF). Their support has helped make the championship more than just a tournament by combining chess, education, and personal development.
Round 5 Keeps the Title Race Close
Round 5 made the fight for first place even more exciting. Kenya’s Moi Nyeri Complex Primary School produced an impressive performance by defeating Madagascar’s Lycée Privé Hibiscus with a convincing 3½-½ victory.
Uganda’s Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School also stayed on track with a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe’s Budiriro 4 Primary School. After five rounds, both Kenya and Uganda had 9 match points, setting up a thrilling Round 6.
Round 6 Delivers Big Surprises
Round 6 featured some of the biggest surprises of the tournament. Angola’s Instituto Industrial held tournament leaders Uganda to a 2-2 draw. The biggest upset came on the top board, where unrated Melquesideque Paulo defeated Ronald Wabwire, the tournament’s highest-rated player.
Angola’s Manuel Carlos added another important victory by beating Trevor Tumukunde. Uganda avoided defeat after Daniel Odokonyero and WCM Juliet Asaba won their games to secure the draw. Kenya also shared the points after a 2-2 draw against South Africa’s Welgemoed.
AFM Wolf van der Merwe defeated Davidson Waweru on Board One. Kenya responded through victories by Trevor Waweru and Irwin Ndegwa, but Adiaan Vlok won on Board Four to level the score.
Standings After Six Rounds
After six rounds, Uganda and Kenya remain tied for first place with 10 match points. Five teams are just behind them on 8 match points:
- Madagascar
- Angola
- Welgemoed
- Holy Cross
- Namibia
With only two rounds left, the race for the title is still wide open.
Player Spotlight: Ronald Wabwire
Uganda’s Ronald Wabwire is only 12 years old, but he has already established himself as one of the country’s top young chess talents. With a 2174 FIDE rating, he started the tournament as the highest-rated player in the field.
Earlier this year, he won the Under-12 title at the 2026 African Youth Chess Championship after scoring 8 points. He also achieved a perfect 7/7 score to win the 2023 Jumuiya Africa Mashariki Chess Championship when he was just nine years old.
Although Round 6 did not go his way, Wabwire spoke positively about the championship. He said:
“This is the best event I have ever been to.”
Team Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Inspiring All-Girls Team
One of the most heartwarming stories of the championship belongs to Sengwa Primary School from rural Gokwe in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province.
The team entered the tournament as the 29th seed and is the only all-girls team in the competition. The players are:
- Vimbai Bhamu
- Makanaka Chirefu
- Rebecca Siposo
- Dorcas Gwariro
For several of them, travelling to Cape Town was their first experience on an airplane and even their first visit to an airport. Before leaving Zimbabwe, Rebecca Siposo shared her dream:
“I used to see other children leaving and returning with medals, and I told myself that I should also give it a try.”
The team received valuable support from Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, together with the International School Chess Federation (ISCF).
Zimbabwe Chess Federation President Todd Mapingire said:
“We promised the First Lady that we will show other nations that a girl can do it.”
The girls have already lived up to that promise. In Round 5, they earned an impressive 3-1 victory over Malawi’s Bwaila Secondary School. Makanaka Chirefu, who only learned chess in 2024, also explained how the game has changed her life.
She said:
“Chess has helped me improve my mathematics because it has strengthened my problem-solving skills. When I come back, I want to teach other children.”
Learning Beyond the Chessboard
The championship continues to offer valuable educational activities alongside the games. At Stellenbosch University, Dr. Denise Bouah delivered a session called “Raising Champions.”
The workshop focused on helping young players grow as individuals while encouraging parents, coaches, and communities to support their development.
Breaking Barriers Through Chess
Another popular workshop was “Breaking Barriers: Challenging Stereotypes Through Chess.” The session was organized in partnership with Teach The Nation. Players, parents, coaches, captains, and supporters took part in discussions and interactive activities.
The workshop highlighted:
- Building confidence
- Developing resilience
- Strengthening communication
- Challenging stereotypes
- Encouraging teamwork
- Learning from both wins and losses
Participants were reminded that chess helps build important life skills that can be used far beyond the chessboard.
Relaxing Between the Rounds
Away from the tournament hall, players enjoyed several recreational activities. Activity Room 2 hosted national games and fun social activities. Activity Room 1 offered a handcraft masterclass.
These activities gave players the opportunity to relax, make new friends, and enjoy the international atmosphere of the championship.
Final Day Promises Exciting Action
Only two rounds remain in the African Continental Stage of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship 2026. Rounds 7 and 8 will decide the champions and determine which teams qualify for the Grand Final in December. With several teams still fighting for the top spots, fans can expect an exciting finish to the tournament in Stellenbosch.
Photos: ISCF
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
