MBOMBELA- Ekasi-born Lindokuhle Bhila (11) and Dicken Nkosi (9) are an example that your background has nothing to do with your success.
The two youngsters of ABC Chess Academy put Msogwaba Trust on the map and became ambassadors of Mpumalanga after their recent win at the South African Junior Closed Chess Championships (SAJCCC) held in Bloemfontein from March 20 to 26.
They both qualified to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Chess Championships, to be held in Sri Lanka from July 29 and August 6.
The two young players will also represent the country at the African Youth Chess Championships to be held in Port Elizabeth from August 21 to 26.
“Only the best junior players in the country attended to fight for the few places in the national team to represent South Africa in a variety of chess events.
“It was their first SAJCCC and one would have expected the nerves to kick in on our young stars, with the majority of their opponents having already represented the country previously.
“They played their level best and the standard of competitiveness was very high,” explained Dumisa Nkosi, one of the club’s head coaches.
Lindokuhle is the reigning Ehlanzeni Closed Chess Champion and the SA Wildcard Junior Chess u/12 girls champion.
“She displayed very strong character and determination when she played the longest game, which lasted for over five hours in a must-win game against KwaZulu-Natal’s player Naidoo Priyasha.
“She managed to finish on the seventh position scoring five-and-a-half points out of 11. She made it to the top-10 players and qualified for the national team,” added Nkosi.
Dicken, who is already a household name in the Ehlanzeni chess region, managed to finish in the seventh position with six points, also qualifying for the national team.
Speaking on behalf of ABC Chess Academy, Pfumi Maluleke said the club was more than an academy for chess; it shines a light for these kids, bringing them closer to their dreams.
“We are proud to be able to find talent and nurture it to a point where children realise that possibilities are endless. As ABC Chess Academy, we can gladly say we are one step towards one of our objectives, which is to make Mpumalanga a household name in the South African Chess circles,” said Maluleke.
Anyone who wishes to sponsor the kids or needs more information on chess coaching and lessons, can contact Dumisa Nkosi on 084-403-7716 or Pfumi Maluleke on
082-960-9487.
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