Midrand Chess Club invites chess players to their chess exhibition with Keith Khumalo

The Midrand Chess Club is excited to announce its first exhibition of the year, scheduled for February 25 at Halfway House Primary School.

The exhibition will feature candidate master Keith Khumalo, a 23-year-old chess player recognised for his achievements in the game.

He has defeated the world’s number two chess player, Fabiano Caruana in an online speed tournament, along with many other grandmasters. This has earned him the title, ‘Grandmaster Slayer’.

Club coach, Kgosiemang Molefe, expressed his desire to allow young players to challenge Khumalo during the exhibition.

“Khumalo is essential to this tournament as the majority of players wish to get an opportunity to have a game versus the candidate master, but usually tournaments have restrictions where he participates in a section of very high-level players,” Molefe explained.

Club members have been working hard to prepare for this exhibition which is crucial for the club which has not hosted any events since 2018.

Molefe explained that the exhibition will run simultaneously as Khumalo plays multiple games against 20 participants who he hopes will come in from local players most.

“Events like these are a great opportunity for all age groups to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. The club aims to promote chess and showcase how the sport is open to all ages.”

He said they also hope to fundraise and grow the club’s membership through their outreach programme.

To prepare for the exhibition, club members have been training hard. On February 3, they came in numbers to hone their chessboard skills at Halfway House Primary.

“The training was not only insightful but also fun and social, where seasoned players shared their insights with young players. Players also had the opportunity to interact with each other socially while also enjoying the game.”

“The exhibition is an excellent opportunity for chess enthusiasts to network with fellow players, engage with stronger players, and learn how to improve their game.”

Seeing in person how a master approaches the game is another draw card.

“Moreover, players will get the opportunity to socialise with other participants which is rare during chess tournaments.”

The club is looking forward to hosting more leagues and tournaments in the future and hopes to receive more entries from local chess players.

For details contact Kgosiemang Molefe on 073 494 3478.
The registration fee is set at R250.

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