‘Chess influences my life’
Themba Mdluli (19) will represent Ekurhuleni in the SA junior chess championships.
A Grade12 learner at Kenneth Masikela Secondary School and also a member at the KwaThema Academy, Themba was selected to represent Ekurhuleni after taking part in the trials that were held in Nigel in July.
He said his love for chess started when he was 10 years old after being influenced by his friends who played chess.
Themba claims that chess helps him think and analyse different situations fast.
“Chess also influences my way of doing things at home and my academic performance,” said Themba, adding that he wants to make a career from chess.
“Some of my friends quit the sport claiming that it is boring but I still play it and dream to be a chess world champion one day,” Themba said.
Talking about the support that he gets, Themba said his coach, Anthony Shoba and family, including his older brother who also used to play chess, are the source of his strength and the reason that he has dreams that he wants to achieve in the future.
“My family has been there for me, supporting me in any way possible and always encourage me to keep chasing after my dream,” he said.
However, Themba now needs support from the community.
He needs a sponsorship for accommodation and transport on January 3 until January 10, 2015 to go to Kimberley where he will be competing against other players from different regions.
If you can help sponsor Themba, you should call him on 062 044 5980 or coach Shoba on 073 813 2115.
