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Cleophas Charles Mrope – BA Business Analytics (Best Applicant contest winner)/Chess

Cleophas, originally from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is currently participating in the Erasmus student exchange program in Romania. He came to Poland after winning the prestigious Best Applicant Contest, a flagship initiative at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) that provides talented students from around the world the opportunity to study for free throughout their academic program.

Despite his modest demeanour, Cleophas is one of Tanzania's top chess players and holds an impressive FIDE rating of 1682 in Classical Chess and 1704 in Rapid Chess. He has represented Tanzania in numerous international tournaments. In 2017, he competed in the African Zone 4.2 Under-16 Championship, marking a significant milestone early in his career. The following year, he participated in the African Youth Chess Championship, further showing his skills. His achievements include winning the African Schools Chess Championship in 2019, a major highlight in his career.

In 2022, Cleophas competed in the 44th Chess Olympiad, taking on some of the world's best players. While studying at UMCS, he has represented the university in various tournaments, including intercity and national competitions. In 2024, he participated in the Polish National Academic Championship and the 1000 Players Tournament held in Lublin, both of which provided valuable experience and opportunities to refine his skills.

Cleophas remains an active participant in the competitive chess scene, continuously striving to improve and achieve new milestones in his chess career.

Eric Nahimana – BA International Relations (Best Applicant Contest Winner)/Chess

Eric hails from Kigali, Rwanda. He came to Poland after winning the Best Applicant Scholarship contest and is currently on an Erasmus student exchange at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. He pursues his studies at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism undertaking the BA International Relations. Before joining UMCS, Eric co-owned Chess Café Kigali, a social enterprise he started with his colleagues.

Eric is a highly talented individual who has demonstrated great potential in managing small businesses, as well as promoting chess in Rwanda. He collaborated with leaders of the Rwanda Chess Federation to promote chess across the country by organizing various tournaments and providing training for local players.

In addition to being an academic and a chess player, Eric is a trained barrister by profession. He is also a highly rated chess player, in July 2024 he won the Szach Królowi competition. Since joining the university, he has represented not only the university at chess tournaments but also participated in high school outreach programs. In these programs, he shares his love for chess and the studies he is currently pursuing.

(Back row, Right side - Panashe Dube)

Panashe Dube – MA Business Analytics and Data Science/Rugby

Panashe Dube is a dynamic individual whose journey blends academic excellence with sporting prowess. Currently enrolled in the MA Business Analytics and Data Science program at the Faculty of Economics at UMCS, Panashe is not only dedicated to mastering the complexities of data science but also excelling in rugby at the highest levels.

Before his academic journey took him to Lublin, Panashe's passion for rugby had already set him on a remarkable athletic path. Throughout high school, his undergraduate studies, and even at the club level, he showcased his exceptional talent on the pitch, winning various awards. His drive and commitment to the sport continued to grow, and in 2020, Panashe joined the Edach Budowlani rugby club in Lublin. With the team, he rapidly established himself as a key player, earning awards such as MVP and Top Try Scorer.

Panashe's skills caught the attention of the broader rugby community, and his stellar performances in the Ekstraliga were instrumental in earning him an invitation to the Polish national training camp. This camp, organized in preparation for the upcoming tournament in France, marked a significant milestone in his career. After impressing coaches and selectors, Panashe was chosen to be part of the 12-player squad for the prestigious Easts tournament in May 2024, held in Haguenau, France.

His outstanding performance at this event didn't go unnoticed. Panashe was subsequently selected to represent Poland at the Rugby Sevens Tournament in Villajoyosa, Spain, under the guidance of Coach Chris Davies. It's clear that Panashe's talent and hard work have positioned him as a key figure in Polish rugby's future. Looking ahead, Panashe's future in both academics and sport is bright. In addition to his studies, he has earned a call-up to represent Poland in the Rugby Europe Qualifiers in June 2025. This pivotal tournament will serve as a gateway for Poland's potential participation in the upcoming Olympic Games.

Whether on the field or in the classroom, Panashe Dube's dedication, determination, and drive are paving the way for a successful future. With his academic ambitions and rugby career progressing in tandem, he is poised to achieve remarkable success in both domains.